Print Post Approved – PP225277/00002 Special Training Issue, February 1999

Official Publication of the Hang Gliding Federation of Australia

HANG GLIDING • MICROLIGHTING • PARAGLIDING • SKYFLOATING Photos by Max Wiener Max by Photos 132, 144 and 156. Tight rigging.SharkShark Enclosed battens. VG Cam system, easy. Standard with 7075 airframe and battens.

Stronger and lighter.

AirBorne Windsports Pty Ltd PO Box 42 Redhead NSW 2290 Ph: (+61) 049 449199 Fax: (+61) 049 449395 is the official publication of the Hang Gliding Federation of Australia and appears 6 times per year as a service to members. For non-members living in Australia the yearly subscription fee is A$55. Overseas subscription sent by Airmail A$90. Cheques should be made payable to and sent to the HGFA. Contributions are always needed. Articles, photographs and illustrations are all welcome although the editor and the HGFA Board reserve the right to edit or delete contributions where necessary. Articles of unknown origin will not be published. All contributions should be accompanied by the contributor’s name, address and HGFA number for verification purposes. Neither the HGFA nor the editor assume responsibility for the material or opinions presented in Skysailor. Copyright in Skysailor is vested in the HGFA. Copyright in articles and other contributions is vested in each of the authors in respect of their contribution. Skysailor Contributions Please send all articles, photos and ads to: Skysailor – Suzy Gneist RMB 5362 Mawley Rd, Cobains VIC 3851 Phone & fax (03) 51498326 (9am-5pm only!) Email: [email protected] http://www.ozemail.com.au/ ~skysail/ All photos and materials will be returned after publication if a stamped, self-addressed envelope is supplied. DEADLINE FOR FEBRUARY ISSUE Deadline for articles is 21 December 98, 6 weeks prior to publication. Deadline for classi­fieds, news, display ads is 1 January 98, 4 weeks prior to publication. Missing Magazines Please contact the HGFA office in Tumut on (02) 69472888 for changes of address and mailing of missing magazines. Classifieds and Advertising Classified ads are to be mailed, faxed or emailed to the editor and are free to financial members – please quote your membership number. Advertising rates and mechanical specifications are available on request. All ads to be paid prior to publication. Special typesetting incurs an extra cost. Please use classifieds form for bookings. Credits Cover: Hawaii by Mosquito Photo: Gerry Charlesbois Contents Design: Gneist & Moffatt Racing for goal at the World Hang Gliding Series Cross-Country competition in Greece. Ph: Murray Rose Film, Printing: NCP Printing, Newcastle Mailing: ContacMail, Newcastle Airmail 2 Clubbing Together… is perhaps not a Prehistoric Ritual 35 Spring Flying in WA 4 Speeding Down South 36 Go West 4 Travels in our Trike 38 The Hang Gliding Federation of Australia is a member of Féderation Aéronautique E.S.O. 6 Trike Accident/Incident Survey 39 Internationale (FAI) through the Australian Sport Aviation Confederation (ASAC). Competition and Events Calendar 8 Book and Video Reviews 40 The Hang Gliding Federation of Australia is assisted by the Australian Sports Commission. FAI Proficiency Badges 10 Rotax Bearing Failure 42 News 14 HGFA Membership Application and Fees 44 Ruhmer & Fact from Slovakia – The Europeans 20 Test: The Firebird Ignition 45 Flying with Daedalus – The WHGS meets in Greece 22 Operations Manager’s Report 46 Murray Trip ’98 – 42 Trikes fly 1,000 Nautical Miles of Fun 28 Classifieds 49 Moving toward a Joint Magazine for Gliding Sports 34 HGFA & Club Directory 52

Skysailor 1 It’s that time of the year again – the festive season, or in our sport, the comp season. Merry Christmas, Address for contributions: a Happy New Year Skysailor and a successful summer RMB 5362, Mawley Road, Cobains VIC 3851 vacation to all. email: [email protected] For us this is the first family Christmas. ph/fax (9am-5pm only!): 03 51498326 My son, Nathan, was born on 22 September and Please use this number during office hours only our move to Gippsland went reasonably as this is our private number after hours. smoothly. The sleepless nights are getting better Thank you for your co-operation. and we’re settling into a new routine, just in time for the next change: Next year the HGFA and the  I would like to raise the question of individ­ company, either as a pilot or passenger. GFA (Gliding Federation uals who are prepared to fly any aircraft with­ To satisfy his flying needs (private) this same of Australia) are trialling a joint magazine. out the valid pilot and operating endorsements­ person, who is no longer employed by us, is The trial runs for five monthly issues of the or in any unregistered aircraft. now flying an unregistered trike that he and combined publication and although I will still be As a trike pilot and an employer I recently had others have built from parts of an aircraft involved as the production editor of the new the distressing experience of discovering that written off in a very serious accident. While I magazine, there will be a new Skysailor sub one of my employees who regularly used our am not a qualified engineer it is obvious that editor (alongside an Australian Gliding sub editor) Edge E trike as part of his duties to check live­ his aircraft does not meet the most basic to collect your contributions, photographs, stock, fences and watering points had been standards, for example it is being flown with advertise­ments and answer your calls. Because flying for the previous 16 months without any the following ‘instruments’, an hour metre, an of the bigger production and wider distribution, valid endorsements. This person, who flew in unserviceable CHT and a hang gliding ASI the new deadlines for articles, classifieds and excess of 120 hours during that period, had (cylinder type). advertising bookings will have to be strictly been an apprentice Instructor with a valid It is important to stress that on being notified of adhered to. license when I first employed him. However both issues staff at the HGFA, in particular Craig Keep a look out for articles on the planned amal­ soon after being appointed to the position his Worth, and Ian Jarman responded promptly and in gama­tion and the combined magazine trial (page member­ship with the HGFA expired and along a highly professional manner. However, in the first 34) in this issue and forthcoming L/D with it the validity of his endorsements. instance the fact that the person was not a newsletters. Given the nature of the flying, that being predom­ member of the HGFA made it difficult for the HGFA In the meantime I have a bumper issue of flying inantly below 500ft agl, all pilots who use the trike to do anything other than encourage­ the person to stories, as well as a FAI World Hang Gliding are constantly reminded to ensure that all risks, re-join. In the case of flying an unregistered trike, Series colour spread for you. The paragliding including risks of litigation are minimised. The while there is video evidence to support the claim, community was rather quiet this month, but the employee in question, by not having a valid or the logistics of getting technical staff to a remote triking enthusiasts and hang glider pilots out current licence, and in the event of an accident Northern Territory cattle station limits the options there should enjoy this issue. involving a third party, would have exposed our available to the HGFA. Ian Jarman’s articles on FAI badges and records company to a range of potentially crippling liability While there may be some, possible many, who and club developments around the country are Dear Editor ... claims apparently without any concern. would argue that one should not pursue a fel­ recommended reading. These days, with The importance of holding valid endorsements, low pilot for breeches of the type described. I electronic barographs, it should be easy for pilots and in this case that includes being a paid up am of the view that given the limited resources to verify flights and submit them for records. I do member of the HGFA, extends beyond simply avail­able to the administrators of this sport, and hope to see a few more names and distances, the insurance protection and limitation of liabil­ ­ the logistics of policing the regulations across times or heights in the listings after this summer ity claims. By being a member of the HGFA a such a large continent, self regulation is season! pilot is constantly presented with updated tech­ imperative. Without this, and given the News has also just come in that Melissa and Rob nical material, as well as changes to the all associated problems with maintaining Hibbard (from Airborne) have had a baby girl, important operations manual. It was this per­ standards, we as a sport will continue and Emily. I also suspect that Nav Brennan and wife son’s lack of knowledge of a recent operations deservedly so, to be the butt of many less than in WA have had their baby by the time this is out. manual amendment that alerted me to the fact flattering remarks from GA pilots. There is a Congratulations to you all and welcome to the that all was not well. This was followed by a very real need to encourage those pilots who bleary eye club! phone call to the HGFA which revealed that the do not conform to accepted practices­ to lift person was not a member and as such flying in their game. If they are not prepared­ to conform, Have a safe and breech of a wide range of HGFA and aviation then every effort should be made to encouraged happy Christmas! regulations. He was immediately banned from them to take up other sports. ever again flying in any aircraft owned by our Kevin Langham

2 Skysailor  Thanks to Richard Lockhart for his article on of the HGFA.” raptors. I have personally had some great (and Colour front covers are: not so great) experiences flying with eagles over To all HGFA Pilots 0% unnecessary the years. In the early 80’s when we first started The HGFA office will be closed for 69% good if economically possible flying Cooplacurripa on the north coast of NSW, the holiday period over Christmas 23% very important flying with big black wedgies was the norm and New Year. 8% absolutely essential rather than the exception. It was not unusual not The dates the office will close is from Colour photos throughout the magazine are: to see the eagle until he hit the nose from above Thursday 12pm 24th of December 1998 8% unnecessary with both talons, resulting in a jolt through the and will re-open on 77% good if economically possible glider and a jump of the heart! Whilst packing up Monday the 4th of January 1999. 8% very important after one such occasion I found a talon nail Anyone wishing to receive certificates or 7% absolutely essential (about 30mm long) wedged in the stitching of renewal cards must have the paper­work For Skysailor to return to a monthly format I the nose nappy – I still have it in an old photo sent to the HGFA office by no later than: would be willing for my annual HGFA fee to album. That guy was certainly serious about Friday the 18th of December 1998 increase by: getting the territorial message across! 15% $15 23% $10 Anything received after this date will be From my experience the most likely time to 8% $5 31% $0 updated after the holiday period. encounter­ an aggressive wedgie is in Spring, 23% I do not think it is necessary though often when first flying a site they will try I urge all pilots with December member­­ship to return to a monthly format to establish their territorial boundaries. My most renewals to renew their member­ship prior The following possible cost cutting measures frightening experience was in mid December to the 18th of December 1998 so as to scored in order of importance: several years ago. I was flying near Tumut, receive replacement cards prior to 1 lower grade paper scratching down low and circling above a lone Christmas. 2 cheaper production tree on a ridge. A wedgie with a young fledgling 3 6 issues per year (current 40 pages) at his (or her) side came up to join me, Wishing you all a very safe 4 no colour covers squawking loudly. Over the ensuing few min­utes Christmas & New Year! 5 no colour anywhere the huge bird (with talons as big as a man’s Ian, Craig and Margaret 6 12 issues per year (down to 28 pages) hand) dived repeatedly at my glider’s leading 7 more advertising edge. My souvenir on that occasion was five 8 volunteer production tears in the sail cloth, each about 200mm long. I not need a mountain with associated forests. We 9 6 issues per year (down to 28 pages) take great pride in looking after my gliders – this can still fly where all these things occur, but In the current format I have found the guy quickly halved the resale of that one! generally would not. I am a new motor paraglider classifieds I disagree with Steve Donohue’s suggestion that pilot, but so far (40 hours) I have never had a tuck 39% useful 38% out of touch the raptors may be discouraged by loud noises. and probably never will. My joy is to take off from 23% haven’t used the classifieds recently I have tried shouting myself horse – the near my house on a calm clear evening, fly up Regarding the ‘thickness’ of Skysailor issues I eagles I have encountered definitely do not high and watch the sun go down. I agree with the 69% unfortunately cannot see myself con­ understand “F off!”. Operations Manager in that we need formal tributing to Skysailor in the near future *** Craig Worth training for flying with a motor, but it is a different 31% will definitely contribute to Skysailor  The report from the Operations Manager, Sky­ form of flying with different problems. If you hear in the near future sailor Aug/Sep 1998, on paramotoring and motor of any problems, please report on them to 0% have already posted my next exciting hang glider incidents was disappointing: “I have whatever extent you can. contribution received reports of several incidents involving­ Jeff Hoffmann Why Skysailor is important to me: motorised hang gliders and paragliders”. If you  Skysailor Feedback 1 = most important, to 6. Percentages refer to received them, then tell us about them. We need Well, the Skysailor debate seemed to have the number of respondents who considered the to know what happened so that those of us who hotted up, but as Ian Jarman said, the most corresponding reason the most important (i.e. fly these machines can learn from them. The constructive thing we can do is offer some well 1) safety of aviation in all its forms has always thought out feedback. Here is an evaluation of 8% the classifieds 39% the stories depended on constant reporting of problems. The my recently conducted questionnaire. 8% club news 39% world news addition of an engine must change the safety Are you satisfied with the current bi-monthly 39% accident 39% information on issues which are faced. Much of the safety of format of Skysailor? reports local/nat. these machines revolves around a couple of Yes 69% No 31% events simple facts which may not be fully appreciated If not, why not? If you have any other constructive thoughts on by the free flying fraternity. We generally do not Comments included that information/classifieds the subject, let us know. need, nor want to, find lift. That means we do not were out of date. It was interesting to note that Richard Lockhart need thermals and the associated canopy some who ticked ‘Yes’ still wrote something to instability. It means we do not need ridges and the effect of “I would prefer monthly editions, cliffs and associated turbulence. It means we do but understand and accept financial restraints Skysailor 3 Spring Flying in WA

RICHARD WILLIAMS turned to tack into wind and headed for Northam above Dumbarton Road and lost 2,000ft over the next 6 or 7 km to do a rough out and Had a great fly on Sunday, despite not launching till 2.30pm! return triangle before heading back to the hill. I arrived back at the hill 300ft above launch and took my time ou see, despite the 25-35kt winds blowing in Perth when settling in for another nice landing in the now cooling, smooth I left at 10:30 in the morning, I arrived in Toodyay only afternoon ridge lift at Bailey farm. Another fantastic afternoons fly! Y40 minutes later to find absolutely no wind and no Thursday night I arrived home to find a message from Dave thermals! After catching up with the local paragliding pilots, Dave Humphrey about a tree planting expedition. A phone call to Humphrey and Wally Grochowski, at Wally’s place (the fabulously Caroline, the landowner of Bailey farm, confirmed the request for us luxurious house with a view on top of Windmill Hill and right next WA pilots to assist in tree planting on Saturday. We promptly agreed, to Mt Nardie), and having a magnificent morning tea (hot percolated of course, and I set about rounding up as many pilots as possible. coffee and tea with chocy biscuits), we explored the hills for a new The tree planting went well – over 10 hang glider and paraglider launch at Wally’s and Mt Nardie. Then we noticed the white puffy pilots and partners spend 1 or 2 hours in the late morning, planting clouds popping up and their NE drift… it’s on at Noondeening! about 1,000 seedlings into already prepared ground, before joining We got to the top of Noondeening only to find other hang glider the owner, Caroline, and others on top of the hill for a fully catered and paraglider pilots already set up and Mike Annears had already BBQ (courtesy of Caroline). The BBQ went well, with more pilots had a half hour flight and was setting up again. It seemed to be and partners showing up still for the now completed tree planting mostly thermal lift on the ridge and a tiny (<5kt) NE backing breeze, operation. Dave Humphrey even flew in on his paraglider, complete but those thermals were all we needed… with power pack, and landed right next to the BBQ. As it turned out Took off, and after scratching down to only 200ft above the his was an emergency landing, since his power pack had just sheared paddock, I managed to core a thermal back to the hill and on up the drive shaft coupled to the propeller while he had been flying over to 3,900ft, by which time every other hang glider and paraglider the hill! As an even bigger reward, we got a fly in the afternoon as the had launched and were also climbing. This was one time when it wind went from light and variable to an unstable westerly. So after a was a pleasure to share the air with a large group of paragliders, very satisfying feed, we all rushed over to “The Range” on plenty of separation and thermal markers everywhere – just cruise Goomalling Road, only 10 minutes drive away, for an afternoon fly. over to the floater going up the fastest! Conditions were pumping and visiting pilot, Irish Ken, actually Another boomer took us all the way to our controlled airspace managed cloudbase and disappeared over the back, landing 50 k’s ceiling of 4,500ft asl, although I pushed on up to 4,900ft as I flew the other side of Goomalling. He later told us he had met up with a out to the next controlled airspace step of 6,500ft, starting over the friendly local and ended up staying the night, enjoying a Goomalling beautiful Avon river. Flying NNW under this fabulous cloudstreet, BBQ dinner and met us the next day at Bakewell for another great I arrived over “The Range” out on Goomalling Road some 10 or flight. Everyone else had a fabulous fly and all toplanded safely 12 k’s away. I had been flying in a straight line with 3-4 inches of behind launch – a great reward for the morning’s tree planting! speed into wind, and was still at 4,250ft. Unfortunately, as luck On the way back to Perth we stopped in Chidlow for another hang would have it, no radio communications due to a flat battery, so I glider pilots’ BBQ, which had been organised weeks earlier, courtesy

4 Skysailor Free Flying

Go West The Drivers Guide to WA

PHIL WAINWRIGHT

or some people the thought of driving to WA to go hang gliding has got knobs on it! Perth is the most F isolated capital city in the world, over 4,000km from of Carol and Dave Eckersly. Some of us camped over while Alice and the east coast. Of course Western Australian pilots have happily I got home in the early hours of the next morning… and were woken travelled the other way every season for decades – then again by the telephone: Bakewell was on. we’re a much tougher breed over here! Eleven hang gliders arrived on the hill just before midday, 8 at Following are some ideas for people wishing to travel by Lou’s launch and 2 from the top launch. Booming conditions, with road to compete in the Australian Open and WA Open in height gains of between 3,000ft all the way to cloudbase in the fresh 1999. There are basically two routes you can take: SSE, with 4 pilots, Gary Bennet, Steve Hoefs, Derek Wagner and The quickest route to Perth is via Coolgardie (head north Irish Ken going cross-country and landing past Northam and as far from Norseman). This route is approximately 3,925km ex as the town of Bolgart, 60km as the crow flies, over the back of Melbourne and equates to about 40 to 45 hours of driving. Bakewell. Gordo, myself and Kiwi Dave (Wellington), stayed over Although it is possible to complete the journey in two days, Bakewell, while Sam got unfortunately trashed just after launching taking three would allow plenty of time for sleep and comfort and spent a harrowing few minutes getting to bomb-out. After all the stops – assuming that you have 2 or 3 drivers. retrievals, we caught up with the skydivers back at Bakewell racetrack Those travelling from the Bogong Cup would probably in York, and discussed the in’s and out’s of chutes, with skydiving want to leave Melbourne on or before 18 January. Here is instructor, Terry, offering to give all us hangies some instruction in a suggested timetable and route: re-packing and caring for our reserves. We promptly accepted and arranged for a joint Hill Flyers and Western Soarers club meet. Date Details Well, there’s a snapshot of spring flying in the hills around Saturday, 16 January Last day of Bogong Cup at Mount Beauty Perth, Noondeening, The Range and Bakewell for you! Sunday, 17 January Travel to Melbourne and recover (approx. 200km) Monday, 18 January Travel to Ceduna via Adelaide (approx. 1,500km) Tuesday, 19 January Travel to Norseman (approx. 1,200km) Wednesday, 20 January Travel to Perth and recover (approx. 1,225km) Thursday, 21 January Travel to Wyalkatchem in time for practice and registration (approx. 175km) Friday, 22 January 1st round of Australian Open at Wyalkatchem

It would be a good idea to organise a team of five pilots and one ground crew. Three can drive the car, gliders and equipment over while the others fly. You can then swap for the return journey. This would be much less taxing, but more expensive. The 2nd route to Perth is via Albany (head south from Norseman). This route adds about 500km to the journey, but would suit those who want to take their time and do some flying on the way there or back. Eucla and Albany boast some of the most spectacular coastal flying in Australia. With a little bit of thoughtful organisation your trip to WA can be a memorable and excellent adventure. Hope to see you here in January for some outstanding flatlands flying.

All photos: David Moore

Skysailor 5 Free Flying

Terry flying a Rogallo at Breadalbane, February 1977.

Invincible as we sometimes like to believe we are. The realities when E.S.O. driven home in the cold light of day prove just how wrong we can be… TERRY ANDERSON

riginally I wanted to write this article to thank those who Any rate, back to my adulations. Thank you to Ben Kindbald helped me during my contact with Terra Firma on 27 August from Tasmania (Ben, please forgive me if I have spelt your name this year, at Lake George, when I broke my arm rather badly. incorrectly). Ben guided in the ambulance from the Gundaroo turn OAs I sat down and thought about what to write, I felt a desire to also off. Due to extensive roadworks the usual route to the Geary’s Gap pass on a message or two in the hope that perhaps my advice may help launch has been somewhat complicated to those unfamiliar with the prevent some other poor soul from following in my footsteps. area and any delay to my hefty need for nitrous-oxide would be no Firstly I want to thank my father Harold and my girlfriend laughing matter! Thank you also to Peter Blackwell, ‘Blackie’, for his Jacqueline who came with me to the Lake on an absolutely beautiful help and guidance in extricating me from my glider and harness. day to watch me test fly my brand new CSX5. This was a proud Also many thanks for packing up my new beastie and securing it moment for me as it has been quite a few years since I have been able at his home whilst I paid a visit to the Canberra hospital. to afford to own a new glider. I am very passionate about my flying- I thought it quite ironic that the ambulance officer who attended it has been in my blood since as long as I can remember. was a mate of mine, Martin Cutler (thanks for the morphine Marty, Before I go any further I simply must tell those of you who don’t way cool!). Martin’s offsider, Peter Mooney, also deserves a mention. already know how sweet the CSX5 is in the handling department. 24 minutes and 30 seconds from the 000 phone call to when the Take any glider you like, throw in 10 to 15kt wind, mix in some ambulance arrived I thought was pretty damn’ good! strong bubbles and while you’re at it, stick a range of hills a few This accident was indeed a very humbling experience for me. kilometers upwind for a bit of rotor. Put yourself at 700ft agl and then I have been flying hang gliders for nearly 23 years and have lost too go for base. These are typical conditions you can expect when flying many good friends and witnessed too many accidents to take the the Collector end of Lake George. In my opinion if you can thermal inherent risks that accompany the great rewards our sport offers for in these sort of rough and broken bubbles confidently then the task granted. My accident was the result of an error in judgement proving of cross-country flying is made a whole lot easier. Without a doubt beyond doubt that I am human. I don’t want to go into specifics the light roll response and excellent pitch feedback of the CSX5 about what occurred, the details would have been in Craig’s Ops made my 3 hour flight in these conditions an absolute joy. As usual Managers report in the last issue of Skysailor. the team at Moyes have created a performance beastie with manners! 6 Skysailor Beating up the hill at Stanwell in a Cohen Skydart MKII, circa 1979.

Quite some time ago I observed a pilot flying alone in ideal injured on Mt Elliot one year who refused to be casevaced by conditions and posed the question: “What would happen if you were ambulance from the top of the mountain because he didn’t have unfortunate enough to injure yourself?” “That won’t happen, I’m too ambulance cover. What a horror situation to be in. The ambulance careful,” he replied. In stunned disbelief I entered a debate on the officers subsequently took him to hospital anyway. Another example, issue with this pilot and at the end of the day he still felt it was safe a couple of years ago, unrelated to hang gliding, but relevant to to fly alone. the point, I was piloting an aircraft on night parachute operations. There are three key points I would like to raise: Firstly, never fly My very good friend, Wayne Jacobson, broke his leg in 5 places on alone. Don’t allow yourself to be tempted. Many times have I arrived landing. He wasn’t covered and the subsequent bill for services was at a site in perfect conditions in the middle of the week, set my glider around $150. In regard to my own accident at Lake George, I was up alone and waited for hours and hours in the hope that somebody very happy to receive a bill for $445 which I promptly paid courtesy might show up for a fly and eventually had to pack up and drive of my HCF ambulance cover which only costs $33 a year for a home frustrated. No one wants to have an accident, but guess what single person. For those without cover, my advice is obvious, get boys and girls: they do happen! The hill will always be there and the it done tomorrow. wind will always blow. It has taken me quite a while to type this article with one finger Secondly, if you are addicted to cross country flying, having (on my non-master hand) and I hope at least some of my banter has reliable communication with ground crew is a very comforting been useful. By the way, just in case you were wondering what thought in the event of an emergency. Ask yourself: “What would E.S.O. stands for, here it is: Equipment Superior to Operator. I do if I was unable to use the radio to call for help?” These days, most aircraft carry a device called an ELT (Electronic Locater Transmitter) on board. On impact, at a certain pre-determined G loading or by manual triggering the device transmits a distress signal on 121.5kHz and 243MHz. An fix allows rescue coordinators to effect a rescue. Small and light ELTs are available and it would be easy to mount one to a gliders crossbar – in my opinion quite a realistic option. Last but not least, however unrelated to safety, I don’t believe there is a pilot in the country who shouldn’t have ambulance cover. Most of you may laugh at this as one would expect most people have at least that much common sense. However, The ill-fated CSX at Lake George, shortly before the accident. I personally know of a pilot seriously

Skysailor 7 CompetitionsCompetitions & & Events Events

Event Date Venue Details & Entry Requirements Contact Australia South Australian Open State Titles 12/13 Dec 98 SA The six best scoring rounds from the dates listed. Call Martin Sielaff 08 83462184 13/14 Feb 99 Martin for further details and meeting places. 27/28 Feb 99 13/14 Mar 99 (reserve) Corryong Fly-In 26-31 Dec 98 All welcome, no entry fee, meet Mt Elliot bomb-out 12-ish. Greg Smith 02 42680589 (h).

Kiewa Valley Fly-In 27 Dec 98-2 Jan 99 Mt Beauty, VIC Lots of fun, great flying, heaps of daily prizes & plenty of Jeanette McLaren 03 57544910, socialising. Info & registration: 26 Dec, 8pm, Mt Beauty email: [email protected] Bakery. Meetings: 9.30am each morning to decide on the day’s flying & organise cars. Entry fee: $15, payable on arrival. If you can’t make it for the whole time, come along for some of it! 1st Australian Skyfloating 27-31 Dec 98 Laurieton, NSW` Held by the Mid North Coast HG association. You must Lee Scott ph: 02 65565265, email: Championships have a certified open crossbar glider to enter (eg: Mars, [email protected] Buzz, Ventura). There will also be a PG section. Entry fee: $50 & up to $5,000 in cash & prizes to be won. Requirements: Min. int rating. Note: Aerotow endorsements not necessary, only hill launching & coastal flying will be used. Entries close 12 Dec 98. Call Lee for details on accommodation in the area. Forbes Flatlands 99 29 Dec 98- 5 Jan 99 Forbes, NSW All welcome! Come & fly the famous Forbes Flatlands, Vicki Cain 02 93164644 or site of the 98 Worlds. Entry fee: $200 before 20 Nov, $230 [email protected] thereafter., Requirements: HGFA m/ship, tow endorsement, Entries to: Forbes Flatlands 1999, databack camera, GPS recommended. 4 entries to secure 1146 Botany Rd, Botany a strip, if you don’t have a team there will be comp tugs NSW 2019 available at A$15 per tow . Trophies for Open, Women’s, Racer (kingposted) & Floater classes. Official practice day & registration 28 Dec. Registration at HQ Vandenberg Hotel, 9-11am & 7-9pm. Welcome briefing 9pm. All pilots/free flyers to register before entering paddock. Corryong PG Fun Competition Dec 98 Corryong , VIC C-grade

1999 Bogong Cup 7-16 (incl.) Jan 99 Mt Beauty, VIC Entry fee: $195, incl. map, all film (except back-up) & site Jeanette McLaren 03 57544910, fees. Min. rating: Int. with inland exp. AAA rating, Open, email: [email protected] Racing & Int. classes. Mt Buffalo, Tawonga Gap & Mt Cheque/MO to: Bogong Cup Emu launches used. If less than 90 entries have been PO Box 313 Mt Beauty VIC 3699 received by 4 Dec, comp will be reduced to 65 pilots with Incl: name, address, ph numbers, all others refunded & shortened to 8 days with no cut. existing glider ID Accom. enquiries: Mt Beauty Information Centre 1800 808277 or 03 57544531. Great Ocean Road Coastal 9-10 Jan 99 Torquay , VIC C-grade PG Challenge Corryong Cup HG Competition 17-23 Jan 99 (incl.) Corryong, VIC Strictly 55 pilots. Requirements: Int-Adv rating with inland Steven Crosby, 22 Ridgeview Way, exp., camera, altimeter, UHF radio, recently repacked Cherrybrook NSW 2126, ph: 02 parachute, maps, current HGFA m/ship. Entry fee: $60, 96348727, 0419 264662, email: incl. presentation night, BBQ during comp, numerous [email protected] prizes. Categories: Open (all competitors) & entry level Cheques payable to: Blue Mountains or Int gliders (Floater, XT, Aero, Sting etc). HG Club, 5 Arnhem Pl, Willmot 2770. Australian Hang Gliding Nationals 22-29 Jan 99 Wyalkatchem, WA Entry fee: $250 ($220 if paid by 1/12/98), map &films provid- Sam Blight 08 93363738 (day), ed. To reserve place mail $20 deposit to Western Soarers Gordon Marshall 08 94519969 (h), HGC, PO Box 6, Nth Fremantle, 6159. Open, B, C & Ladies email: [email protected] trophies. Requirements: Tow endorsement, databack http://argo.net.au/garyb/index1.htm camera, UHF radio, GPS recommended. This is a flatlands comp, so a dolly for towing is also highly recommended. Info pack on accom., hire of vehicles, drivers, transport of self & glider to WA available from organisers. Vic Open PG Competition 23-30 Jan 99 Bright, VIC AA-grade, standard & open class. Entry fee: $140, incl. Entries to: Jeanette McLaren presentation night, site fees, film & processing. Require- 18 Tawonga Crs, Mt Beauty 3699; ments: HGFA m/ship, databack camera, GPS recommended ph: 03 57544910, email: jmclaren@ (may be used for flight verification), UHF radio. $1,500 in prizes. albury.net.au

8 Skysailor CompetitionsCompetitions & & Events Events

Event Date Venue Details & Entry Requirements Contact Australia WA State Competition 1-6 Feb 99 Wyalkatchem, WA Open to all pilots wishing to stay on after the Australian Nav Brennan ph: 08 93397991, Open HG Comp. Flatlands towing competition. Entry fee: email: [email protected] $100, map & films provided. At least a B-grade comp. Corryong PG Comp 13-20 (21) Feb 99 Corryong, VIC AA-grade, entry fee: $160. Rohan Holtkamp ph: 03 53492845 or 0409 678734. 1999 NZ Paragliding Nationals 27 Feb-5 Mar 99 Manilla, NSW The Kiwis are having their Nats in Manilla & everyone’s Godfrey Wenness ph: welcome! C-grade comp. The current Australian PG 02 67856545, fax: 02 67856546. distance record of 235km was flown from Manilla. Entry fee: $125, incl. films, hill transport, basic map & presenta- tion night dinner. 150 pilots max. Priority of entry is given in the following order: NZ pilots on fully paid application before 1 Dec 98, after 1 Dec 98 entries accepted in order received upon fully paid application while space permits. Manilla Town Hall is HQ. Registration: 26 Feb 7-9pm & 27 Feb 8.30-9am. Possible HGFA ‘B’ level sanction! 1999 PG Open Nationals 6-13 Mar 99 Manilla, NSW AA-grade. Over $2,000 in prizes for open, int, nov & Godfrey Wenness ph: & Trans-Tasman Challenge female classes plus day prizes. Registration: Manilla 02 67856545, fax 02 67856546. Town Hall HQ 5 Mar 8-9.30pm & 6 Mar 8.30-9am. 150 Payments (Cheque, M/O) to: pilots max. Requirements: UHF radio, reserve, camera ‘Manilla Comps’: “The Mountain, & adequate thermalling exp. Entry fee: $160 by 12 Feb Manilla NSW 2346”, credit card ($180 thereafter) incl: films, hill transport, map, prizes, ph/fax payments also accepted! trophies, T-shirt, presentation dinner & band. Pilots must organise own retrieves. Wind techs welcome! 1999 Victorian HG Open 7-13 Mar 99 Corryong, VIC Wesley Hill email: [email protected] Wesley Hill 018 305943

Women’s Skills Clinic 15-20 Mar 99 Canungra, QLD Between the Manilla Open & NSW HG Titles, women Barb Utech & Peta Roberts pilots are encouraged to attend. More nearer the date. 1999 NSW HG State Titles 21-27 Mar 99 A-grade. Registration: Imperial Hotel 20 Mar. Entry fee: Cheques payable to: NSW HG $120, incl. all primary films, T shirt & presentation dinner. State Titles, 18 Heshbon St, Limited to 50 pilots, adv rating or int with inland exp. UHF Gateshead NSW 2290; email: optional. radio, parachute & databack camera required. [email protected] HGFA rules & scoring apply. Organisers won’t provide ph: 02 4923804 (w), answering maps, GPS or GPS co-ordinates. machine after hours. Paragliding Flatlands 28 Mar-3 Apr 99 Birchip, VIC B-grade Rob Lithgow

99 Flatter than the Flatlands Easter 1999 Birchip, VIC Entries open 1 Dec 98. Official webpage has moved to: Warwick Duncan email: http://www.users.bigpond.com/warwick.duncan/ [email protected] Overseas Torrey Pines Gliderport Air Races 21-25 Apr 99 Torrey Pines, CA This year’s event features ridge racing in a XC format David Jebb +619 USA over the beautiful Torrey Pines Ocean cliffs. Each race 4529858, email: is approx. 13 miles (20km). 2 classes: open & int. Awards [email protected] are presented each day & a grand champion is chosen for each class at the end of the event. Entry fee: US$250. Great Christmas Gift Ideas ! Airborne – at one with the Alps : 120 high quality colour pages of brilliant photos by Swiss paraglider pilot Andreas Busslinger...... $ 95 WINDWATCH : Small, waterproof & accurate. Digital display, multiple scales (kmh,mph,kts), average & gust memos, temp. & wind chill. Takes the guesswork out of wind strength measurement. Swiss made ....$ 140 Manzella Wind Stopper Gloves : Made in the USA...... $ 49 MGM Flying Suit : Locally made using windproof Nylon, choice of linings, 6 combinable colours, custom features on request.$ 190 – 250 Hanwag Fly 2000 Boots : Designed for paragliding to reduce the incidence and severity of foot injuries. Winner of magazine tests...$ 350 FLYTEC Varios : The world leader – various models from...... $ 520 Glider UV bag : The BIG stuff sack for those big toys ...... $ 35 All prices include express postage. Credit card phone orders accepted. Contact Godfrey at PARAFUNALIA, “The Mountain” Manilla NSW 2346 Ph: 02 67 85 65 45 Fax: 02 67 85 65 46

Skysailor 9 FAI PROFICIENCY BADGES Class 0 – Sub Class 1 Current Current World Record Australian Record General Category at 1/10/98 at 1/10/98 Pilot Aircraft Model Date Old Record Required Distance Records Straight distance 495.00km 427.30km Drew Cooper Moyes Xtralite 147 10/12/93 285.30km 431.57km Straight dist. to declared goal 488.20km 250.30km Steve Blenkinsop 250.30km 252.80km Out & return distance 330.56km 330.56km Rohan Holtkamp Moyes CSX 5 12/02/98 300.70km 333.87km Triangle distance 205.00km 168.20km Steve Blenkinsop Moyes SX 4 02/01/97 161.00km 169.88km Speed Records 25km triangle 42.62km/h 26.00km/h Jenny Ganderton 26.26km/h 50km triangle 38.46km/h 31.53km/h Denis Cummings Magic IV 1986 31.85km/h 100km triangle 29.70km/h 26.40km/h Steve Blenkinsop 26.73km/h 150km triangle 44.60km/h 26.31km/h Drew Cooper Moyes XS 10/06/89 26.57km/h 200km triangle 28.64km/h Unclaimed 00.00km/h 300km triangle Unclaimed 00.00km/h 100km out & return 75.70km/h 76.38km/h Rohan Holtkamp Moyes CSX 5 15/02198 64.64km/hr 77.14km/h 200km out & return 73.05km/h 54.88km/h Rohan Holtkamp Airborne Shark 144 10/02/97 55.43km/h 300km out & return 56.50km/h 56.59km/h Rohan Holtkamp Moyes CSX 5 12/02/98 57.16km/h Gain of Height 4,343.00m 4,131.00m Leonard Paton Airborne Blade 141 16/12/94 3,902.00m 4,260.08m Feminine Category Distance Records Straight distance 335.80km 285.30km Jenny Ganderton EW Foil Combat II 139 29/11/92 288.15km Straight dist. to declared goal 212.50km 118.09km Val Wallington 119.27km Out & return distance 132.00km Unclaimed 000.00km Triangle distance 167.20km 101.00km Jenny Ganderton 102.01km Speed Records 25km triangle 26.00km/h 26.00km/h Jenny Ganderton 26.26km/h 50km triangle 21.02km/h 20.65km/h Judith Goldstone Airborne Blitz 137 30/01/93 20.86km/h 100km triangle Unclaimed 00.00km/h 200km triangle Unclaimed 00.00km/h 300km triangle Unclaimed 00.00km/h 100km out & return 24.20km/h Unclaimed 00.00km/h 200km out & return Unclaimed 00.00km/h 300km out & return Unclaimed 00.00km/h Gain of Height 3,970.00m 2,805.00m Val Wallington 2,889.15m Class 0 Sub Class 3 Current Current World Record Australian Record General Category at 1/10/98 at 1/10/98 Pilot Aircraft Model Date Old Record Required Distance Records Straight distance 283.90km 215.02km Godfrey Wenness Advance Omega 4-28 24/11/97 133.84km 217.17km Straight dist. to declared goal 250.20km 55.69km Ian Ladyman Pro Design Contest 31/01/95 56.25km Dist via single turnpoint 252.00km 111.74km Enda Murphy Advance Omega 3 15/03/96 112.86km Out & return distance 169.90km Unclaimed 00.00km Distance triangle 181.00km Unclaimed 00.00km Speed Records 25km triangle 28.26km/h Unclaimed 00.00km/h 50km triangle 15.80km/h Unclaimed 00.00km/h 100km triangle Unclaimed 00.00km/h 150km triangle Unclaimed 00.00km/h 200km triangle Unclaimed 00.00km/h 300km triangle Unclaimed 00.00km/h 100km out & return Unclaimed 00.00km/h 200km out & return Unclaimed 00.00km/h 300km out & return Unclaimed 00.00km/h Gain of height (tandem) 4,530.00m 2,020.00m H. P. Stehli STV Comet CX11-27 03/03/94 2,080.60m Class 0 Sub Class 2 Current Current World Record Australian Record General Category at 1/10/98 at 1/10/98 Pilot Aircraft Model Date Old Record Required Distance Records Straight distance 230.20km 164.00km Ron Grey EF 11 1980 165.64km Straight dist. to declared goal 170.36km Unclaimed 000.00km Out & return distance 330.60km 330.60km James Neff Flight Designs Exxtacy 160 12/02/98 76.40km 333.91km Distance triangle Unclaimed 000.00km Speed Records 25km triangle 26.72km/h Unclaimed 00.00km/h 50km triangle 23.91km/h Unclaimed 00.00km/h 100km triangle 25.57km/h Unclaimed 00.00km/h 150km triangle Unclaimed 00.00km/h 200km triangle Unclaimed 00.00km/h 300km triangle Unclaimed 00.00km/h 100km out & return Unclaimed 00.00km/h 200km out & return 65.15km/h 65.15km/h James Neff Flight Designs Exxtacy 160 15/02/98 65.80km/h 300km out & return 61.53km/h 61.53km/h James Neff Flight Designs Exxtacy 160 12/02/98 62.15km/h Gain of height 3,820.00m 2,118.00m Graham Pukallus EF 2,181.54m

10 Skysailor Free Flying FAI PROFICIENCY BADGES

IAN JARMAN, HGFA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Is your club looking to organise flying skills activities for your members that are nationally (indeed internationally) recognised, provide meaningful challenges for all skill levels and wing types and require minimum organisation and supervision? Then the FAI Records and Proficiency Badges may be the answer.

he FAI Proficiency Badges provide an appropriate challenge special numbered badges for the first 50 in the World for both and focus for all kinds of sport flying. There are a number of Silver and Gold Badges. T FAI badges (standards of achievement) which provide a range of progressively more challenging flights which are ideally suited as The final hang gliding badges are Delta Diamonds of which club organised activities and ideal for all levels of experience across there are three separate badges: all disciplines. Diamond distance A distance flight of at least 500km Diamond Goal A goal flight of at least 400km For hang gliders the standards to be achieved are: Diamond Closed Course An Out-Return or Triangle flight of at l Delta Bronze Badge east 300km. (To date only Rohan Holtkamp, Distance greater than 2km flown over a course of not less then 0.5km Steve Moyes and James Neff could claim between turnpoints, followed by a controlled landing within 25m of this badge in Australia.) a designated spot; and, five flights of at least 5 minutes duration each followed by a controlled­ landing within 25 m of a designated spot. For paragliders the standards to be achieved are: Obviously this badge could be achieved on any sort of glider Eagle bronze and is a suitable target for any restricted certificate pilot. Clubs Distance 15km, or Duration 1 hour, or Gain of Height 500m. could organise bronze badge days for their less experienced pilots (As anyone of these flights will qualify for the badge perhaps clubs and those that need to work on their landing technique. The club might increase the challenge by requiring all three flight achievements safety officer or committee should endorse the claims when sub-­ on separate flights.) mitted to the HGFA for issue of the badges. The badges would Once again these challenges are very appropriate for Restricted then be provided for presentation at a suitable club gathering. pilots with limited experience.

Delta Silver Badge Eagle Silver A distance flight of at least 50km, and Distance 30km and Duration 5 hours and Gain of Height 1,000m. a height gain of at least 1,000m, and Restricted and Intermediate Certificate pilots under club super­ a duration flight of at least 5 hours. vision could attempt these flights . These do not need to be achieved These do not need to be achieved in the same flight. Once again in the same flight and once again clubs could organise sites and days clubs could organise sites and days for intermediate and advanced for pilots to log these flights. Glider performance is not an issue and pilots to log these flights. Once again glider performance is not an the club could have the observers witness each qualifying flight issue and the club could have the observers witness the pilots flights before the final claim is submitted to the national office for issue and endorse their log for each qualifying flight before final claim is of the Silver badge. (Ian Ladyman of the Newcastle club is the only submitted to the national office for issue of the silver badge. Aussie pilot to date that has claimed this badge)

Delta Gold Badge Eagle Gold A distance flight of at least 300km, and Distance 100km and Duration 5 hours and Gain of Height 2,000m. an out and return flight or triangle of at least 200km These do not need to be achieved in the same flight. Again clubs We are starting to get into the more demanding realms here, could organise sites and days for advanced pilots to attempt these but there are several ridges in Australia that offer the potential for flights. The club could have the observers witness the pilots log for 200km Out and Return ( i.e. 100 km out and 100 km back). The each qualifying flight before final claim is submitted to the national Illawarra escarpment offers some potential here, but the Eucla cliffs office for issue of the silver badge. Flights from sanctioned events are possibly more reliable. A 200km triangle can be attempted as supported by the results would also count for these badge flights. on a good light wind summer day just about anywhere in inland (I know of several pilots who could submit claims for this badge.) Australia. If this were done in accordance with record rules a new national record would be set. For the badge, a near completion There are two separate Eagle Diamonds: of the triangle still qualifies. Diamond distance A distance flight of at least 200km. It would indeed be a great honour to be the first Australian Diamond Gain of Height A Gain of Height of 3,000m or more. to receive a Delta Silver or Gold Badge. In fact the FAI have issued

Skysailor 11 Free Flying

You will also need an approved barograph (most of the newer FAI PROFICIENCY BADGES flight instrument sets come with a barograph – the FAI home page lists the approved instruments http://www.fai.org) and for out and For microlights the standards to be achieved are: return or triangle flights, a camera. Bronze Colibri Then all you need is to set your sights on a specific record and a) 20 hours solo including at least 50 flights go after it. b) 3 precision landings within 10m of centre given spot Full details are contained in the FAI Sporting Code – General c) 1 precision landing within 20m of spot from a height Section and & Section for hang gliders and paragliders and Section of 300m agl with throttle fully closed. Demo of correct 10 for Microlights and motorised HG’s & PG’s. go around (overshoot) procedure For further information contact the HGFA Office. d) Two 75km XC flights over a triangular course, one with an outlanding at a designated point.

Silver Colibri How to Fax a Cat a) 100 hours and 200 logged flights b) 2 flights to approx. 300m agl stop engine complete a 360º turn Step 1: Get the cat and land within 5m of spot. c) Four 150km XC flights with any landings or turnpoints pre-declared.

If clubs are looking for suitable programs to offer their members perhaps these FAI badge flights offer a suitably graded set of goals where pilots of all levels can advance their skills and sense of achievement. (These activities would qualify under the NSW Disability Insurance Scheme where the club has organised to control the flight attempts.) We in the HGFA office would love to be issuing badges regularly throughout the coming year and for the more advanced pilots there are many spaces in the record books for your name. How to set a National Record Step 2: Change cat into readable format It is obvious that if you are up to the gold and diamond level badges then you are starting to approach national and indeed world record standards. The tables of Australian records indicate that there are many records that are up for grabs. This is because that some of the records are now somewhat dated and new equipment should make surpassing the old mark reasonably easy or the record has yet to be claimed at all and hence any attempt in accordance with the rules will give the pilot a national record. In fact the multi-place (tandem) records in all disciplines remain virtually unchallenged whilst in the feminine category for paragliding and all the National Microlight records remain unattempted. Setting a national record does not require you to be a champion. All you need is average advanced pilot skills and an ability to organise the logistics and paper work. According to Rohan Holtkamp holder of several World and National records, the hardest part is completing Step 3: Fax the cat the record claim documentation not the flight. So what is required to attempt a record? An FAI sporting licence. (This costs $10 and comes with the rules for attempting records and the necessary claim forms for submitting your flight details) You will need to arrange at least one FAI official observer to witness the critical parts of your flight and to verify the claim forms and documentation. Another pilot or member can do this or your driver can be appointed as an official observer. These people will need to take at least Associate Membership of the HGFA to cover the period of the record attempt and claim. Cost is just $20 and will include the FAI sporting code pack and FAI Observer Certificate. Submitted by Mike Cleaver

12 Skysailor

McCarthy National Hang Gliding Championships Allan Barnes has won the McCarthy National HG Championships (British League) with Jenny Auckland winning the Ladies trophy. Further details can be found at: www.theleague.force9.co.uk Full details of the meet will be available at this location. Jim Bowyer New South American Distance Record NEWSGreat HG and PG Bald Hill cam Betinho Schmitz, Brazilian champion and winner of the Italian flight simulator Information for pilots in the Open, has just beaten the South American Distance record on I found a great hang gliding Sydney area who fly Stanwell a La Mouette Topless. His flight took place in the NE of Brazil, and paragliding­ simulator Park will be available on Tony Ceara province. With 402km, Betinho beat the record set last demo on the net. It has hang Armstrong’s www site by the week by Andre Wolf, 354km, and the old record of 280km by gliding above a ridge complete time this issue goes to press. Helio “Batata” Pires a week before. In other words, this season with ridge lift and thermals Besides the usual “chest is fantastic and there are a lot of good pilots fighting to fly the (which can be made visible thumping” that most sites furthest. Things are happening here, come and fly with us. for training purposes) and have, special bits will include Aquele Abraco, Mauricio Monteiro there’s an audible vario. The a wind and surf cam, showing Topless Developments simulator requires a 4mb the hill from Tony’s office to La Mouette are starting production of an aerodynamic carbon 3D video accelerator card, be updated at 7.30 am each speedbar which tested at 900kg of traction without failure. The but it may work (not as well) morning. Keep your eye on it: new design adds comfort, has the same width as the round without­ one. The demo’s www.surfthesky. com.au speedbar and a rounded trailing edge at the hand grip. web page is worth a visit at Tony Armstrong A new tail stabiliser is also ready and improves safety by www.vpmag.com/hangsim/ increasing the pitch coefficient and dampening the pitch. It also index.htm allows a lowering of the floating tips to increase performance. Scott Alder Gérard Thevenot, La Mouette

The new USHGA Calendar is out in time for your Christmas stocking.

Karl Dawson just completed his HG restricted certificate and took this photo at a tow endorse- ment course run by Rohan Holtkamp (on the right). Spectacular 1999 USHGA Hang Gliding Calendar New Airea Paragliders

Just in time for Christmas is this great production of the annual Airea Paragliders of Germany just released their new novice and USHGA calendar. Featuring spectacular hang gliding shots over intermediate gliders onto the Australian market. breathtaking scenery the likes of which you only get to see in the The Session (DHV1-2) is designed for the nov/int pilot who States. Get yourself a copy for the office (or for home) to keep wants a paraglider with excellent safety, light handling and great you going during those dragging hours during the week. per­formance for its category. Available in 4 sizes ranging from 60 to One calendar, airmail delivery, costs US$19.95, two calendars 130kg. For the demanding intermediate pilot, the Airea Shape with airmail delivery, US$32.90 (cheques must be drawn in US (DHV2) offers safety with light and precise handling and a “leave funds). Mailing address is USHGA, PO Box 1330, Colorado the others for dead” performance. Also in 4 sizes, ranging from Springs CO 80901-1330, USA. Orders may be faxed or emailed 65 to 130kg. with Visa/Mastercard details to fax: + (719) 6326417, email: Ernst Strobl and the Airea design team have set the new standard [email protected] or order through the website at: www.ushga.org in paragliding with the development of Improved Stability Technology (IST). It allows for a greater reduction of lines than V-rib technology Murray trip 98 video and increased aerofoil form stability, which translates into higher I have just completed our Murray trip video. It runs for 1hr 45min, performance at no cost to safety. featuring the 42 microlights that undertook the 9 day 1,000nm For more information contact Mark Mitsos, Sydney PG Centre, return flight along the Murray river. ph/fax: 02 4294 9065 or visit the website at www.ffa.com.au/spc The video includes some brilliant flying footage and if anyone Mark Mitsos is thinking of taking up microlighting as a sport then this can be OzEmail’s “My Weather” your rewarding end result. Good clean fun and friends. This new online service gives you comprehensive coverage of weather The video retails at $25 plus $5 postage. Send cheques to: forecasts for all capital cities and major regional areas in Australia. The Right Altitude Microlights Australia, 140 Clarke St, Current temperature, 4 day forecasts, humidity, wind, pressure and Benalla 3672. dewpoint readings, current wind, flood and fire warnings are Tony Dennis available at http//www.myweather.com.au

14 Skysailor Prices for 1998/99 Paragliding Season Cabins: $9.00 per head per night Powered Sites: $6.50 per head per night Unpowered Sites: $5.50 per head per night

The Camp provides breakfast in the dining room for $3.50. A cooked breakfast is also available for $5.00.

The cabins at the camp are not self-contained. The camp supplies 2 blankets and a pillow. Guests must bring linen/sleeping bags. Linen and doona hire available. Camp Features: Annual Mystic Pass Two toilet and shower blocks Recreation hall with kitchen All pilots flying from Mystic must have a valid pass. Annual pass $70 10 day pass $20 BBQ and campfire area (valid 1/6/98 – 31/5/99) 2 day pass $10 Dining Room Quarterly pass $50 Any competitions wishing to use NE Victorian Hang Gliding T.V. Room Club sites in 98/99, please apply in writing to the Club by Camping Area: Powered & Unpowered Sites November 15. Any tours wishing to use NEVHG Club sites in 98/99, please notify the club in writing at least one week prior to Cabins: Singles and Doubles the tour. Address: NEVHG Club, PO Box 317, Bright VIC 3741. Geoff White, NEVHG New Club organises Microlight Events Murrindindi Aviation Group Inc is a new Victorian microlight club, situated in Yea. The club has organised an adventure fly-in for the 1 and 2 May 1999 weekend. Pilots are welcome to fly into Yea on the Saturday, 1 May, and Sunday, a flight is planned into an area normally out of bounds (more details to follow). Food and accommodation are available. Call President, John Norman, on 03 57972972 or Secretary, Anne McLean, on 03 57972159 for more information. Peter and Anne McLean Triking and Gliding Fly-Swap Weekend 5/6 December 1998, a “fly-swap” weekend is held at Benalla Gliding club. The idea is to form pairs with a glider pilot and a glider flight is swapped for a trike flight. The Benalla Gliding club members are also keen to add on a Outdoor Inn pool competition using their new pool table. Phone 0418 574068 for more information on the get-together. 106 Coronation Avenue, Bright VIC 3741 Tony and Therese Dennis Ph: (03) 5755 1154 – Mobile: 0418 528 631 Skysailor 15 Northern Beaches Hang Gliding Club Notice regarding the use of Rylstone aerodrome There has been some controversy regarding the use of Rylstone aerodrome by a commercial group which has not reimbursed the club for use of the accommodation. Anyone using the facility is required to pay a nominal fee to assist in upkeep and running costs. This is only fair and reasonable! NEWSBlue Mountains Hang Gliding Club At the August club meeting the following resolution was passed: Things are really firing in the Blue Mountains at the moment: Group/commercial interests in the aerodrome: Large/commercial thermal and pilot activity alike. Our last club comp day saw every groups using the aerodrome have been identified as causing incon­ single competing pilot, from novice to advanced, get away from the venience to others with regard to club house availability, especially hill for a XC flight. “the amount of floor space to sleep at night and fridge and kitchen On the calendar at the moment are tow days, novice days, inter­club space available”. As a result, a formal booking system will be used rounds and numerous trips both within and interstate. Un­fortunately, from 15 August 1998. It will work as follows: Bookings are required our pilots are finding it hard to fit in wedding anniver­saries, christenings, for all commercial groups or groups of 8 or more. Telephone birthdays, births, etc, which also seem to abound at this time of year. As bookings can be made seven days in advance, Mon-Thu before I’m not married yet and always learn from other people’s mistakes, I’ll be 9pm, by contacting Owen Pierce, either directly or by answering timing any future weddings or procre­ ation­ very carefully indeed! Middle machine at home on (02) 99723515, work (02) 98785544 or work of winter will do just nicely, thanks. So if you’re a novice pilot (or any fax (02) 98786366. If the required weekend is booked, then the other pilot looking for a fun, active club) in the Sydney area, come along next weekend­ can be booked at that time. Bookings will not be and join in our club activities and meetings. It will open up a whole new accepted more than two weeks in advance and are confirmed only aspect to your flying. when confirmation is received from the booking officer. Every effort Also on the club agenda is the fast approaching Corryong Cup. will be made to accommodate all, however, the booking officers Places (at $60) are going fast, there are only 10 positions left as of decision will be final; The booking applies to the club house only 30/10/98. The competition will run from Sunday 17 to Saturday and does not give exclusive use of the Aerodrome itself;and When a 23 January. Registration commences on Saturday afternoon (the booking is made an estimate of numbers must be given and a 16th) and will be completed Sunday morning. Sunday is also the cheque made payable for that amount sent to the Club first day of competition. All pilots must bring their receipts for immediately. Should the trip be cancelled for any reason or registration. Team registrations will be taken on Sunday and Monday. numbers fluctuate from the estimate a credit will be raised in lieu of If accommodation is needed, camping and cabins can be found at the next trip. If the numbers exceed the estimate the excess amount Mt Mitta Caravan Park (book soon). is payable to the Club. Richard Lockhart Mike Warner, Secretary Western Soarers Hang Gliding Club The Western Soarers HG club has had some good flying in the last Hill Flyers Club News few months despite it being the winter season. The club has regularly Our first meeting at the new venue was applauded by all present on been out aerotowing with Sid and Russell in Cunderdin. There have the night and was the envy of those who’d missed it. Swan Districts been several trips to Wyalkatchem to introduce new novice pilot Football club facilities are excellent, can cater for 150 or more, have members to the club winch and the airstrip. The paddock to be used video facilities and food and drinks available at discount prices. for the Australian Open HG competition in January ’99 has also Steve Carlsson set up his Explorer Power Pack for display while been christened and will have been tested extensively during our videos showed some magnificent flying at our local sites, Bakewell, traditional spring thermal week, starting 28 September. Noondeening and the Range. After a fabulous “all you can eat” roast The new club hangar for housing trikes and dragonflies has been meal for $10 and several bottles of social catchup, president Mike completed at Wyalkatchem. The club is grateful to the Ministry of Thorn delivered the Hill Flyers philosophies, background, history Sport and HGAWA for sponsorship to help them with this project. and objectives for the 25 new hang glider, paraglider, social and Preparations for the Australian Open HG competition have also junior members present. Secretary, Rick Williams, then outlined­ kept us busy. The club has started a mini competition to improve­ membership application procedures, rationale behind nil comp flying standards before the Open held at our base town, membership fees and attendance of at least one meeting in a club Wyalkatchem, in January 99. All members are very keen to make the financial year to remain a member. Social members were welcome, comp a great success for WA. The State comp will follow straight on some have been involved in the sport for many years and offered from the Open in early February. The chance to fly with national many insights and contribu­tions at the meeting. Persons seeking and international pilots on our own turf has been a great boost for membership (pilot/social/junior member/etc.) are nominated and the club. We have also enjoyed flying with members of the newly seconded by existing members, the nominator and seconder then formed Hill Flyers club at various sites outside the metropolitan area. become responsible for the new member’s introduction to the club, In fact, a lot of Western Soarers members are also members of the its sites, culture and objectives. Hill Flyers, formed with the intention of maintaining and developing After successful fly-ins at the Toodyay sites, further ones are hill sites around York, Tooday and outer metropolitan areas. planned for each month of the year (remember, its flying all year WA pilots are looking forward to an excellent flying season this round in WA with good thermals and great weather). The weather year. The weather looks good – there has been good thermal activity station at York (08 96412701) is ideally suited for checking conditions already in August, partly due to the extremely mild winter we’ve had. for the Avon Valley sites and the HGAWA Hotline (94873258) is While Woolongong has been washed away, we have had the lowest the perfect central communicator to catch the pilots going to the rainfall ever recorded this winter. Water restrictions are already in site on the day. All hill sites are located about an hour’s drive out of force. It will be a long, hot and thermic summer and we will be Perth, making the Perth airport weather beacon (273khz) a good flying high! See you all in January! Nav Brennan forecaster too. Other planned club activities over the coming months include fundraiser BBQs, quiz nights and site BBQs to help meet

16 Skysailor costs of the planned incorporation of the club (an estimated $125) Cairns Hang Gliding Club whilst enjoying ourselves. Gillies fun comp The Western Soarers Club offers car and winch towing operations A great occasion in spite of less than ideal weather. It was a success nearby and aerotowing is available in the vicinity of all hill launch because of all who came: Graeme Beplate, a hang gliding instructor sites. Flying is guaranteed! Excellent overnight facilities are available from Townsville, with his wife Ann, Gerry, who kept everything at all hill sites, the Western Soarers or aerotow paddocks. Rick has alive the whole time, Nev, Russ, Ian, Kevin, Darren, Joe, Bernie arranged changes to the next edition of the Perth Visual Terminal and his whole family, Ray, Brett, Brod, Ken, Rod and Lance as well Chart (VTC available from Airservices on 1300 306603), displaying as Chris from Holland. Three brave souls launched on Saturday: designated hang gliding/paragliding airspace and operations at main Bernie followed by Joe and Brod, all without raincoats. The overcast sites, which are all privately owned farming properties with flying sky was too much for real progress, so it was a pick up run to the operations administered jointly by the pilots of the Hill Flyers club bottom and a pack-up in the rain for the rest. Sadly, Darren had to and the owners. Exemptions to CAR 308 to operate in controlled leave for Port Douglas to work without the “imprint” of the heights airspace (above 4,500ft asl) on the Perth side of Toodyay are being to re-live on the way back. We trust his travelling will be more than sought to allow a NE and NW launch XC flight from Noodeening. rewarded in the future. Meetings are held the last Wednesday of each month at Swan Then it was time to spark up the campfire. We’d all prepared Districts Football club, corner West and Guildford Road, Bassendean, and eaten a welcome tea, but it was not yet time for bed. Every­ 6:30pm onwards, meeting starts at 8pm (bar closes 12:30pm), all thing to do with the heights, not to mention the efforts to get there, welcome. The club Christmas function is currently being organised was interestingly aired. Apparently, there was a site somewhere in for mid-December – details on the HGAWA hotline when finalised. Queensland that required a 300-400km walk! Alice Kowalski Next day’s pilot briefing came soon enough. Yesterday’s rain 1998 Canungra Classic Sing-along had not dampened our enthusiasm. The cu’s were billowing – As originally performed by the Thunderdorks at the 98 Classic apparently… The task: Distance to Dimbula! Sound judgement to the tune of “Oh Lord won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz” was needed in tricky take-off conditions and, in fact, it was tricky Oh lord I’m a kid and I just want to fly all the way. Even so all our expertise and effort did not produce I sit in the classroom and stare at the sky great distances to goal. They say that I can’t, but I just say why? There were a few mishaps. One driver didn’t have his radio Oh lord I’m a kid and I just want to fly turned on and was looking at the sky instead of the ground, where So lord won’t you buy me a shiny new Fun he was needed. Some radios were hiccoughing, but considering all You have to start somewhere, so I gotta have one set-backs, we compared favourably with our overseas correspondent, I’ll start at the bottom, but soon be a gun John McKenry, “The summer in the UK lasted all of four weeks. So lord won’t you buy me a shiny new Fun Of these two weeks had either too much rain or too little.” Thanks, Oh lord won’t you buy me a new Moyes XT John, for the great accounts of flying in Indonesia and Japan. My friends all fly Funs so they’ll never catch me Gillies Results I’ll go up to Canungra and fly some XC 1 Kevin 8km 1,000 points Oh lord won’t you buy me a new Moyes XT 2 Brod 3km 375 points Oh lord won’t you buy me an X-t-ra-lite 3 Ian 2km 250 points Six months in the gym, I can lift it all right 4 Nev 2km 250 points It flies like the devil, the yaw I must fight Oh lord won’t you buy me an X-t-ra-lite Thanks to all who participated, picked up and organised, Oh lord won’t you but me a nice lightweight Shark especially Rus, Nev and Ian, who also briefed the contestants. But into a headwind I just seem to park Lance Keough It seems now that kingposts belong in the Ark Report from the Victorian HG and PG Association Oh lord can I sell you a cheap low hours Shark Over the last 2 meetings with the new VHPA committee there have Oh lord won’t you buy me a new C-S-X been a range of site issues discussed. Firstly, operations at Mt Buangor I promise if I get one I will give up sex have been suspended until further notice. Discussions are currently I’ll mortgage my girlfriend and have no regrets under way with Parks Victoria to address a number of issues. Oh lord won’t you buy me a new C-S-X With regard to site improvements, two proposals put forward Oh lord won’t you send me some 1,000 up lift by NEVHG club were in principle accepted as follows: But when I get low zero sink is a gift • Approval of capital works to upgrade the Mt Emu road to 2WD And if I end up landing, I can always get pissed accessibility level before summer this year. This will cost $10,000, Oh lord won’t you send me some 1,000 up lift with NEVHGC contributing $1,500 p.a. to maintain the road. Oh lord send a eagle to show me the way The road upgrades must have Parks Victoria approval. Straight down the course line, I will win the day • Replacement of the Mt Buffalo HG ramp, potentially dangerous But when I get to goal, I see with dismay due to age and wear. Approval was given for $3,000 towards the Ten gliders in a paddock of freshly cut hay purchase of materials to build a stainless steel based ramp. Oh lord ain’t hang gliding the greatest of sports Consideration is also being given to the upgrade of the dirt ramp And the flying at Canungra is great they report at Mt Elliot, which is currently felt to be too narrow for PG usage. So I’ll go up to Queensland and claim those red shorts The revamp of the Fairhaven launch is ongoing via Dynasoarers Oh lord ain’t hang gliding the greatest of sports HGC. The earthen ramp will be raised for a safer and easier launch. So lord give me money to fly all the time Submissions for site improvements are encouraged from all I think every day of the week would be fine clubs/members in order to maintain and improve sites. And don’t let my XCs fall short of the line The VHPGA meets on the 3rd Monday each month (except Oh lord give me money to fly all the time Jan 99) at 7:30pm, at the Sport Aircraft Association of Australia, James Freeman 265 Queens Rd, Melbourne. All welcome. Michael Bruce Skysailor 17 Cancellation of World Record Attempts New FAI officers Paragliders – General Eilif Ness (N), was re-elected FAI President for an unprecedented­ 1. Speed over a 100km triangle: 28.84km/h 5th one-year term. Site: Nebelhorn (D), Bernhard Koller (D), 11/5/98 The new 1st Vice-President of FAI is Wolfgang Weinreich (D), Paraglider: Free-X a retired senior Lufthansa captain, currently President of the 2. Speed over a 150km triangle: 25.17km/h German Aero Club, and a keen glider pilot. Site: Nebelhorn (D), Bernhard Koller (D), 12/5/98 The office of Treasurer General also has a new incumbent – Paraglider: Free-X Dr Hanspeter Hirzel (CH), a lawyer from Zürich who was President of FAI from 1992 to 1994. FAI News FAI move FAI World Grand Prix of aerobatics Planning for the FAI’s impending move to the Olympic capital, After a very successful event on the lakeside at Neuchatel, Switzer­ Lausanne, Switzerland, continues smoothly. The FAI will be land, the FAI World Grand Prix of Aerobatics has moved to China accommodated at 24 Avenue Mon Repos, opposite the mansion for a 2 month series of events. Many thousands of members of the where Baron de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympic Chinese public will be introduced to this exciting sport and have movement, lived after he moved the International Olympic an opportunity to see the world’s top pilots in action. The last leg, Committee from Paris to Lausanne. (Coubertin was a prominent at Nanjing (19-20 September), was won by Peter Besenyei (Hun), member of FAI’s founder organisation, the Aero Club of France). followed closely by Nikolay Timofeev and Viktor Tchmal (Rus). The FAI’s move will take place during December, and all The same names occur at the top of the general ranking, except functions will be transferred from Paris by the end of that month. that Dominique Roland (F) is in 3rd place, ahead of Jurgis Kairys New telephone and fax numbers will be announced in November. (Lith) and Victor Tchmal. FAI, The World Governing Body for Airsports 2nd World Air Games contract signed The Minister for Tourism and Sport of Andalusia, Mr Jose Luis ASI Netzine October Issue Nunez, and the President of the Spanish Air Sports Federation, The October issue of Air Sports International netzine (http:// Alvaro Calderon joined FAI President Eilif Ness on 1 October in airsports.fai.org) is now on the net. the “Salle des Illustres” at the Capitole building in Toulouse for a Atul Dev, [email protected] ceremonial signing of the 2nd World Air Games contract. The agreement means that planning for this unique multi-airsport event, Latest World Pilot Ranking Scheme due to be held in and around Seville in June 2001, can now go The latest World Pilot Ranking Scheme has just been issued for ahead at full steam. Negotiations for the media rights to the event hang gliding and paragliding pilots. In the HG rankings the new are well advanced and Eurosport TV have formally declared their competitions included are the Women’s World Championships and interest in covering the World Air Games. the Canadian and New Zealand round of the World Hang Gliding Series, bringing another 29 HG pilots (total 479) into the Ranking Scheme. There has been no change in the top 10. Amongst the females, Marie-Jo Rufat, now 29th overall, leads from Françoise Moçellin (38th), Natalia Khamlova (54th), Monique Attention all new Novice Pilots! Werner (58th), Nikki Hamilton (80th), Rosi Brams (88th) and Have you just completed your training and Kari Castle (92nd). The latest PG ranking includes results from the British, Spanish, Slovenian and Portuguese Open competitions and wonder what comes next? the North American PG Championships, with an additional 99 PG Well, the Blue Mountains Hang Gliding Club is pilots joining the Ranking Scheme (total 491). Again there is no just what you’re looking for. change in the top 10 rankings with Jimmy Pacher (670) still in the lead, however, Bruce Goldsmith has added a few points to his score Come fly with us for soaring, thermalling, 10,000 feet views; cross countries, after his win at the British Open. club comps and some great mountain brews. Full information and ranking lists can be found on the CIVL Our club is committed to helping out novices when they need it the most. As website http//www.fai.org/hang_gliding/ and the rank­ings only on the British League website http//www.theleague.force9.co.uk well as tow days, competitions and numerous organised trips away, we also offer Three separate lists can be consulted for each class: monthly Novice Fly Days. This is when our advanced pilots take new pilots to a • Top Ten pilots suitable site to increase their flying skills, knowledge and experience. • Women’s rankings Only an hour or two out of Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer great cross • complete list showing all the pilots The ranking now includes all 1998 category 1 and 2 events country potential. For those interested in increasing their world of flying, (excluding the Norwegian Open, for which no results have yet been new members are welcome. Contact details can be found in the club listings received). at the rear of Skysailor. There are already a number of competitions who have obtained or a applying for category 2 sanctioning in 1999. An updated list of Blue Mountains Hang Gliding Club Inc 1999 Category 1 and 2 competitions for all classes will be available on the CIVL website. Meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm at the Sportsman­ Competition organisers interested in FAI/CIVL category 2 Hotel, Kildare Road, Blacktown. sanctioning for 1999 can obtain further details and an application President Richard Lockhart ph: 02 94040073 or 0418 130354, email: form from Sarah Fenwick, CIVL PR Co-ordinator, email: [email protected] [email protected] or ph/fax +44 1983 523003 Sarah Fenwick, CIVL PR Co-ordinator

18 Skysailor AIRFOIL SAILS has in stock a range of Xtralite sails in the 137, 147 & 164 sizes. Dacron and Mylar mainsails are included in this stock list. For $950.00 you can be sure of receiving a quality product from the original sail designer and maker of this fine glider. Orders are also being taken for those wanting their choice of colours. XS, SX, CSX & XT sails will be made to order. This month we celebrate our first year of independently marketing, making and retailing our own glider sails. With over 200 sails made in that time, we are certain that we have many more years to devote to making replacement sails. We would like to wish all our customers safe flying and best wishes for 1999. Ph: O2 4341 1997 (will answer as Umina Beach Newsagency) Fax: 02 4344 7105 Email: [email protected] Airfoil Sails Pty Ltd, PO Box 219 Umina Beach NSW 2257

Skysailor 19 Competition Flying Ruhmer & Fact from Slovakia

HEATHER MULL-STRICEK 27 July, Task 1 – The day 40 pilots flew 31 July, Task 4 – The day Allan Barnes less than 5km. launched first and made goal first after Podbrezova-Brezno, Slovakia – site of the Meteorologist Michael Mayerhofer predicted flying all the way on his own. southerlies with a low cloudbase and weak Pansky Diel (1,100m amsl) became the 4th 1998 European Hang Gliding thermals. Director Jan Jagos chose Podkonicke site to be used in as many days. The task was Plese, a shallow 970m amsl site, east of 66.6km to goal at Rohozna near Brezno, Championships. Frustrating flying for many, Podbrezova. Launch activity included two via one turnpoint. Most pilots launched late, nose-ins, multiple dipped wing escapes and while waiting for a patch of blue in the grey but memorable thanks pilots trying to queue hop. Four pilots blanket to move closer. The wind shifted west, struggled to goal after a 76km out to and making for crossed, rotory launch conditions to death defying air displays, return to Polomka. Gérard Thevenot was on the shallow, grassy slope. Three launch fastest, but Manfred Ruhmer scored more crashes, lots of dipped wings and close calls tall trees and friendly Slovakians. departure and arrival bonus points with the with trees and one pilot thanked her wheels GAP Race 3.12 scoring system. 1st Manfred as she rolled off launch after a bad run. pilots from 31 countries 709pts, 2nd Gérard 707pts, 3rd Guido 14 made goal, including five Austrians, competed and the number of Gehrmann 702pts. Slovakian pilot, Bohumir with guest pilot Betinho Schmitz (Brazil) 129officials was almost as high at Kolesar, broke an ankle on landing. fastest in 1:43:30. 2nd was Christian Ciech, around 100. Roughly in the middle of 28 July, the day it rained, Norwegian 2:11:34, and 3rd, Oleg Bondarchuk, 2:17:30. Slovakia, Podbrezova was HQ for the comp. Arfinn Markeng broke an arm on landing Cultural events took place in nearby Brezno. after an afternoon free flight. 1 July – The day we learnt about steel The organisers were keen to impress and and Slovakian food customs. were aided by extensive sponsorship. 29 July, Task 2 – The day launch marshal A planned rest day – luckily 4 tasks had The 5 sites used (920-1,948m amsl) over­ Michael dressed up in a helmet and already been flown. Those interested went looked the broad E-W valley in which all goggles armed with an axe and knife and on a tour of the local steelworks or sporting tasks were set. Pilots were confronted with announced, “Today there will be order!” tour­naments. The impressive Zelaziame steel­ large pine forested areas on the green Predicted was a northwesterly with weak works, the largest in Europe and employing­ undulating hills. thermals, so Ciertaz, a site south-west of HQ, some 4,300 people, was the largest sponsor 24 and 25 July were the days when the, was chosen. Pilots rigged chaotically in the of the event. About 90% of our officials were mainly kingpostless, gliders were tuned, tight set-up area around the 3 ramps and employees of the factory who were being paid landing paddocks and eating places were waited for the SW wind to swing north. to help with the competition. sussed and the question voiced everywhere: Remaining crossed and gusty, the wind caused A great dancing and feasting party that “Will Tomas be here?” several pilots to scrape low over pine trees night ended in a spontaneous food fight. The two days prior to registration had after launch. Tomas launched first, even This turned out to be a temporary downer, been good flying days – then came a front. before the wind techs, and blazed tailwind as in Slovakia it is considered an insult to the A practice flight from the highest site for down the ridge towards Svermovo, 54.9km hosts to throw the provided bread around. southerlies, Kralova Hola, ended early as east. Thunderstorms developed 20km from cloudbase and showers descended and yes, goal and tornado funnels reaching from the 2 August, Task 5 – The day Oleg was Tomas was flying! ground to cloudbase were reported. Some happy about GAP bonuses. pilots retreated to land and others waited. Weak thermals still predicted, but a a high 26 July – the day we survived the None made goal. Closest was Portuguese pressure system promised better weather. aerobatics display. Gabriel Frade who landed 50m short. Good launch conditions on Pansky Diel, The opening ceremony on the Brezno sports but pilots struggled low again to get up. 8 field was a 3 hour extravaganza of folk 30 July, Task 3 – The day the sheep made the 81km goal at Rohozna, via one turn­ dancing, musicians and amazing air displays. led the way. point. Four landed 20m short of the line. Flexible Slovakian airshow rules permitted After helping a shepherd herd his flock of Manfred was fastest in 3:17:38, 762pts, a light aircraft to make sweeping passes sheep up the narrow site road, pilots rigged but Oleg won the day with 764pts in in front of us at a height of about 10m, on westerly facing Baranovo (920m amsl). 3:18:06 because of more early departure 4 aircraft performed precision formations Weak and quickly drifting lift made for and arrival bonus points. Guido was 3rd just above apartment blocks and a Russian crowded gaggles. None made the 72km in 3:18:56, 750pts. SU-25 jetfighter passed over at a max height straight task to Sumiac goal and equal of 100m. On reaching us, the pilot would furthest, on 58km were Tomas Suchanek and 3 August, Task 6 – The day Raymond crank on the afterburners so flames Gerolf Heinrichs, 559pts. At 56.5km, 549pts, Caux made his own launch rules. accompanied the ear-shattering noise. It start­ was Croatian Ljubomir Tomaskivic. 16 Most gliders were rigged flat on Kralova ed to rain as the pilot parade commenced. bombed and Israeli Amir Shalom chipped Hola as wind speeds of 55km/h were his elbow on landing. Casualty count: 3. measured on launch. A task of 54km to Polomka via a 946m amsl turnpoint on

20 Skysailor top of Skalka was called. Raymond Caux 8 August, Task 9 – The day Manfred (France) unintentionally launched early as he finally clinched 1st place, Michael got wet turned in the gusty conditions and his glider and Guido looped. lifted off vertically. With one wing scraping At the final briefing on Ciertaz, the visiting another glider, he managed to fly out, Aussies carried on the fine Bogong Cup simultaneously yelling his number down tradition of drenching the meteorologist with to the recorders. water, ably assisted by Tomas’ enquiry of Ridge lift encountered initially turned whether there would be any rain. The 61km into strong thermals to 2,300m later on. task to Rohazna via a turnpoint was a good 19 made goal with many landing high near call as 32 made goal. the turnpoint. 1st was Manfred in 1:31:13, Manfred and Guido held onto their 963pts, 2nd Guido, 1:33:29 and 931pts, places and Guido celebrated by looping as and 3rd Oleg, 1:36:29 and 915pts. he crossed the line. The strong valley wind made for some close finishes. Lars Johansen WANTED 4 August – The day Michael’s “mainly (Denmark) literally flopped over the line blue” forecast was slightly out. onto his stomach. 1st Manfred, 934pts, 2nd by the Australian Rigged on Kralova Hola, everyone watched Guido, 878pts, 3rd Robert Reisinger, 868pts. Paragliding Centre cu’s rapidly develop and the overdevelop into 5-10 HAPPY PILOTS towers. With launch almost in cloud, Michael 9 August, the closing ceremony – The day For the Trip of a lifetime drove down into the valley to get a better that looked like there were finally some 2 weeks of blissful flying in view. The day was cancelled when he and decent thermals. the European Alps, wind tech, Oliver, reported thunderstorms The Brezno ceremony included more folk on course and thunder was heard directly dancing and a pilots’ parade in 32ºC under Escape to Switzerland the out from launch. Not too many pilots were nicely building cu’s. The same individuals Paragliders’ Mecca, unhappy with the decision. and teams graced the dais for both, the you deserve it! 5 August was also cancelled due to European and Podbrezova Cup, awards and Once you’ve flown the European Alps, bad weather. plenty of champagne was sprayed around. you’re never quite be the same! Congratulations to Manfred, who was finally Tour includes: 6 August, Task 7 – The day Manfred and able to give his winner’s speech. All participants • All transport with our bus in the Guido played cat and mouse. received a certificate and the jury and stewards flying regions. Ciertaz was used and with better thermals (myself and Lazlo Kerekes) were also given • Improvement of launch technique expected a 112km task to Drienovec, 5km mementos. The FAI flag was lowered and through video and photo analysis north of the Hungarian border, was set. most pilots attended a final luncheon. Many • Weather Briefings from experienced Tomas launched at 2:15pm. Manfred of the women were going on to Hungary local Instructor launched almost last at 2:40pm and flew for the Women’s World Championships. • 14 nights accommodation in medium away from the course line to get his 1st Even though the flying conditions were class hotels and pensions thermal. Watching from launch, Guido took less than hoped for, the excellent standard of • Supervised flying. off as soon as Manfred started circling and organisation made for a cheerful atmosphere. • Cross Country and Thermalling they raced to goal to join 19 others, but it Organisation for pilots included a transport instruction by Urs Haari, Instructor/ was Gerolf’s day. 1st Gerolf, 953pts, 2nd to launch and retrieve service, daily lunch Two times Swiss national champion Manfred, 915pts, 3rd Guido, 898pts. packets, signposts through villages indicating and world record holder. The only protest came from this day. launch access, a phone card and free coffee at And Peter Bowyer, winner Australian An Italian pilot was given zero points because HQ. A questionnaire I gave to team leaders Nationals 98, current Australian team of an unidentifiable landing photo. The jury, included ‘likes and dislikes’ about the comp member/Instructor. consisting of Noel Whittall, Zlato Vanic and and all 18 replies listed the organisation under Miroslav Rodzewicz, considered the protest ‘likes’ with other high scores in hospitality “SIV Safety Manoeuvres Clinic” and decided to award bomb-out points, as and friendliness. Under ‘dislikes’, most listed Included in tour cost. the pilot had a recorded launch time. Still the weather conditions and forecasts, the ONLY $2,240 dissatisfied, the pilot soundly abused the large forested areas with scant LZ’s along Tour Date 13th-26th August 1999 organisers and jury. Is hang gliding turning the ridges and the limited task choices into soccer? due to the conditions. If you’re interested and would like more information contact: Peter Bowyer, APC, 7 August, Task 8 – The day 52 pilots flew Results Points less than 10km and Manfred followed 1 Manfred Ruhmer (A) European Champion 6,278 [email protected] RMB 7 Ryrie Hill Rd Guido to the bomb-out. 2 Guido Gehrmann (D) 6,169 MICHELAGO NSW 2620. Kralova Hola and a very low cloudbase. 3 Christian Ciech (I) 6,115 ph/fax 02 6235 9014 A slightly overambitious 112km task to Women Slatinka via a turnpoint was set. Rupert 1 Françoise Moçellin (F) (35th overall) 3,695 Plattner and Christian Ciech flew furthest 2 Marie-Jo Rufat (F) (47th overall) 3,253 WARNING! with 69km, scoring 617pts each. Ignazio 3 Natalia Khamlova (Rus) (61st overall) 2,700 APC tours and clinics Bernardi made 63.5km. Teams are highly addictive A costly day for some of those who 1 Austria 18,130 and can take bombed. Oleg moved into 3rd place overall 2 Italy 15,979 “para addiction” and the top five weren’t so certain anymore. 3 Germany 14,011 to extreme levels.

Skysailor 21 FlyiNg with Dædalus

22 Skysailor Competition Flying

The WHGS meets in Greece

DENNIS PAGEN ©1998

uring the first week in June this year, a host of pilots from This year’s (and last year’s) WHGS meets were organised by the ten countries converged upon sunny Greece to attend the Greek Hang Gliding Federation under the auspices of Dimitri Ganotis. DWorld Hang Gliding Series meet which included the Greek Dimitri and his group are determined to put Greece on the flying Nationals. Cross-country and Speed Gliding events were held from map and have been awarded the Women’s World meet to be held at 1 Mt Kitheron, situated about 1 ⁄2 hours NW of Athens. Kitheron in the year 2000. I highly recommend this area to all female The general flying area for the competition is the plain south of (and male) pilots for its relaxed, yet challenging flying and its fun Thebes which extends both E and NW from the Kitheron launch. ambiance. Plans are in place for improved launches in all directions This plain is bordered by high mountains and usually abundant ther­ to be ready for next year’s Pre-World meet. mals provide some interesting aerial tours. Mt Kitheron itself has a In addition to the Women’s Worlds, Greece will also be host to the nice north launch and lesser used south and west launches. It sits 1st Speed Gliding World Championships in the same year and is look­ approx­imately 2,500ft (800m) above the plains and offers a magnificent ing forward to the 2004 Olympics. There is official support from the view of the sea to the SE and the sculpted terrain to the north. The government for hang gliding to be featured at that event, if possible. typical northerly winds hold back the seabreeze until late in the day when convergence zones set up in the conflicting air masses. The WHGS Cross-country Many meets have been run from Kitheron in the last ten years, but Despite the promise and normally perfect flying weather on Mt foreign pilots are only now discovering the site and the flying possibilities Kitheron, this year we were plagued by strong winds on several days in Greece in general. Part of the charm of flying in Greece is the always and rare thunderstorms on two days. In fact, two pilots failed to leave present beach scene and the evenings spent in the tavernas discussing the lift under a thunderstorm and were carried high into it. They both the day’s adventures over mountains of delicious Greek food. exited unconscious and were killed when they hit the ground appar­ One of the attractions of the Kitheron area is the village of Plateas ently­ still unconscious. This accident occurred on the 2nd round of at the foot of the mountain. The mayor works tirelessly to promote competition and naturally put a damper on everyone’s spirits, especially hang gliding and paragliding. He has been instrumental in carving since most Greek pilots were close friends of the deceased pilots. out a lower launch with a paved road and a restaurant and has Due to the weather and days off for the funerals, only three promised a camping area and lift (!) to be built in the future. rounds were flown. These were hotly contested by the 48 pilots since the total XC prize money was US$6,000. The 1st round was a 60km

Skysailor 23 FlyiNg Competition Flying with Dædalus Most pilots ended feeling gratified and well-rewarded considering the foreign pilots received free housing as well as transportation.

Speed Gliding The speed gliding event from Mt Kitheron was equally affected by the weather and loss of our friends. We did manage to fly two rounds with 21 pilots which is normal for this discipline. The course from Kitheron consisted of 12 pylons, including a height control gate that had to be passed below 6m (20ft), a 360 sector, a series of quick turns and a long careful glide to the finish gate. This course was essentially the same as last year’s and it was clear that the pilots who had practiced earlier had an edge. Some pilots felt the course demanded too much speed and suggested we add requirements for more finesse, others liked the adrenaline pumping high-speed run. For the Pre-worlds of Speed Gliding, we’ll probably have more of a finesse course. The fastest pilot by far was Manfred Ruhmer. He won both days by zooming low through the course from start to finish. In fact, his ground-skimming finishes, starting 70m before the gate, became legendary. An average course time was 5 minutes with the faster pilots completing the run in about 4min 30sec. Manfred’s fastest round was 3min 57sec. In the end, Manfred took home the $3,000 1st prize with Guido Gehrmann 2nd ($2,000) and Gérard Thevenot 3rd ($1,000). The top ten were:

Results 1 Manfred Ruhmer (A) Icaro Laminar ST 7:59 2 Guido Gehrmann (D) La Mouette Topless 8:53 3 Gérard Thevenot (Lux) La Mouette Topless 9:10 4 Rob Kells (USA) Will Wing Fusion 9:28 5 Gerolf Heinrichs (A) Icaro Laminar ST 9:35 6 Josef Zweckmayr (A) Icaro Laminar ST 9:38 7 Betinho Schmitz (Bra) La Mouette Topless 9:40 8 Giannis Ioannou (Gr) Icaro Laminar (with kingpost) 10:01 9 Rupert Plattner (A) Icaro Laminar ST 11:54 10 Panagiotis Efthimiades (Gr) Wills Wing Fusion 12:57

Greece has been a major supporter of the WHGS and we hope to be back in future years to race down the slopes or over the countryside.

Mt Olympus and World Speed Gliding triangle which was won by Gerolf Heinrichs (A) with a lead of 2min At the end of the WHGS meets, a group of 28 pilots journeyed to 50sec over Manfred Ruhmer (A) followed by Guido Gehrmann (D), Mt Olympus to play in the thermal infested skies and check out the then Betinho Schmitz of Brazil. This round set the pattern of the top Speed Gliding course for the World meet. Our meals and hotel were foreign pilots launching and leaving in a group then battling it out covered by the local villages and the prefecture of Larissa, so they along course for the lead. deserve our gratitude. The 2nd round was a 60+km rectangle again won by Gerolf. The flying is great at Olympus with an easily accessible XC He was pursued by Guido Gehrmann 26 seconds behind, followed launch 550m (1,800ft) above the landing field and a Speed Gliding by Betinho Schmitz, Rupert Plattner (A), Manfred Ruhmer, launch 805m (2,650ft) agl. Both launches accept multiple wind Christof Kratzner (D), Josef Zweckmayr (A) and Gérard Thevenot directions and promise some very interesting and enjoyable flying. (Lux). By now Gerolf could see dollar signs, but the rest of the For the World meet, the Speed Gliding course will provide many field were ardently hoping for good weather in order to catch up. options, since various long mountain fingers stretch out from the Unfortunately the last flying day did not show much promise, so launch area to surround the landing field. the task committee called a short 42km triangle in order to get more The hospitality in Greece was legendary. All pilots interested Greek pilots into goal. The top pilots apparently made the entire circuit in Speed Gliding are urged to join us next year for the Pre-World with two thermals once they were on course! Manfred won this round meet and come along in the new millennium to the premier with Guido, Gerolf, Josef and Rupert only minutes behind. Speed Gliding World meet. A great course awaits you, lots of The meet was over and all that was left was to pay tribute to our quality X-C flying and many fun events – definitely a flying fallen comrades and to hand out the awards. Gerolf had won the $3,000 vacation you won’t forget. 1st prize with Guido taking 2nd ($2,000) and Manfred 3rd ($1,000).

24 Skysailor FAI World Hang Gliding Series 1998 Greece

All photos (including centre spread): Courtesy FAI WHGS/Murray Rose

FAI World Hang Gliding Series 1998 Greece

MURRAY TRIP ‘98 42 TRIKES FLY 1,000 NAUTICAL MILES OF FUN

TONY AND THERESE DENNIS It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. This is always a good start for a story – let the truth be known, it was really just the best of times!

till grinning over the excitement of Murray trip ’97, Murray Out of the 4 main minibuses each group of 8 to 9 pilots had a trip ’98 and the National Microlight Gathering took shape. designated driver, 2 pilots were paired as buddies and their job was to SWith the assistance of the newly formed Southern look after each other and keep an eye on each other throughout the Microlight Club in Victoria, the entries came in. With last minute flights. Each group of 8 with their CFI were allocated a chat-channel as entries taken on the night before our flying fratella numbered 42. well as a designated Murray trip channel and pilots were well armed Seven aircraft along with passengers and one ground support vehicle with all strip information, airfield frequencies and GPS co-ordinates. had already made the epic journey from South Australia through Day 2: We departed early from Echuca after a quick briefing. Ouyen to Wangaratta. The seven were being led by the South The forecast for the day was perfect: still air and blue skies. Our Australian Microlight legend Larry Jones in his sexy Edge X Wizard destination was Swan Hill, and if we could all get there before 12 stick-trike. o’clock we would push on to Robinvale and then Mildura. The morning arrived. Pilots and passengers were split up into After departing Echuca we’d barely left the CTAF when the groups of 8 aircraft and passengers per mini-bus and trailer. Each reports started over our radio of a good tailwind at about 600 to group had a CFI as its group leader and a designated full-time driver. 800ft agl. The GPS jumped to life and we noticed we were getting As the groups were not keen on camping because of the cold a 15 to 20kt tailwind at this altitude. Those of you who fly with a temperatures, most of the pilots opted for credit card camping. GPS would already appreciate the accuracy of these electronic All belongings and fuel cans were carried on the trailers which each wonders. In fact, they are so accurate they will show you the speed bus towed. It was fortunate that over the weekend of the National difference over the ground of maybe 1 or 2kt. Microlight Gathering in Wangaratta most of the pilots had the This morning was especially memorable, not only for the opportunity to fly together in large numbers. The organised cross- undulating Murray beneath us, but the funny sensation on this country flight to Mt Beauty was a great leveller for the pilots to beautiful dead still morning that you were flying in someone else’s practice circuit procedures and flying in a big gaggle. propwash. Thanks to our little electronic marvels, we had all come Monday morning finally arrived and pilots assembled their to the same conclusion that if we flew at 672.5ft exactly, we would aircraft and crew in front of the large Airworld hangar at Wangaratta gain 18.7675kt of tailwind. Here we were in our beautiful freedom Aerodrome. We all posed for our combined mug shot and then machines with the wind in our face and the world at our fingertips kicked the tyres, waved goodbye and off we went. and we all decided to fly at exactly the same height on exactly the The 42 Microlights made an orderly departure from Wangaratta, same track! Like sheep to a waterhole. The GPS has a lot to answer one group splitting off for a detour to Yarrawonga for a photo shoot for in removing the skill of navigation! with a Herald Sun photographer. (A formation flight group photo With a little detour to fly over the Catilina seaplane in the park appeared in the next day’s Herald Sun Melbourne newspaper – the at Lake Boga we transcended into Swan Hill. Unbeknowings to us, public knew we were out there!) The rest of the group bee-lined for the Sunraysia Ultralight Club was enthusiastically throwing on a Tocumwal and a flying visit to Sportavia Gliding Centre. After BBQ for us intrepid aerial motorcyclists. Unfortunately, we had made re-assembling at Tocumwal we leisurely flew on to Echuca for our prior arrangements to push on to Mildura. Thank you to the Swan first night’s stopover. The landing at Echuca was a fantastic sight: 10 Hill Ultralighters for their hospitality – we hope we can give them to 15 microlights in the circuit at any one time for around half an more warning next time and organise a get-together. The unrehearsed hour. We even had to make room for the twin engine ambulance drivers were doing a mighty job arriving at the airfield and ushering plane to make his way in amongst the microlights. pilots to a Mc lunch. Kicked the tyres and we were off again, trikes Our aircraft were put to bed and the minibuses arrived and and stomachs fuelled, on to Robinvale. A quick hello to some locals, ushered us to our respective motels and campsites. This was the first then off over the grape vines to Mildura. night’s sky-camping for many of the pilots and the anticipation they’d Mildura MBZ would be the most complicated place we would had for so long of the exciting time ahead was coming to fruition. have to fly into, as radios were mandatory. Each group leader gave a Some pilots who had only started flying 6 months before and had radio call for his group at the 15nm boundary and then soldiered on worked very hard to gain their experience and the 50 hours required into the airport. It was an exciting place for many of the pilots as they to attend were rewarded with some of the best flying and comrade­ had never landed on such a large bitumen airfield – we literally had ship you could wish for. the airfield to ourselves. Top: Ian Rees over the Murray in his Edge The usual procession of locals and local newspapers followed us Centre left: The trikers at Benalla, ready to go. wherever we landed. The weather was just perfect, and we noticed Centre right: Ian Rees before taking a passenger on a flight. things were warming up as we pushed a little further north. The Bottom: Leaving Benalla, Lake Mokoan in the background. Photos: Tony Dennis & Ian Rees Skysailor 29 MURRAY TRIP ‘98

minibuses arrived again, we kissed our trikes goodnight and the circus Paul Haines, who organised his group of local pilots from NSW, proceeded into town. Something became evident with most places we became known as the “Black Leader”. He whipped his squadron into stopped at: Because of the high number of husband and wife teams the most accurate team of microlighters you’ve ever seen. His military on the trip, it was a nightly scramble for the best motel room. If you precision was quite exceptional, although we all did have a little were lucky enough to score the room with the spa you were almost chuckle every time he made his radio calls. During our quick stop at boo-ed and hissed from the motel reception office! Having the mini­ Renmark, the now familiar question and answer competition with the bus for each group was a great idea – it gave each group freedom to local newspaper reporters on flying was just getting better and better. travel and there was no pressure for us all to be at the one place at the The weather was still balmy and all pilots were now getting in the one time. Mildura was a quiet little place on a Tuesday night, and groove and their airmanship was astounding. most pilots were happy for an early night. From Renmark to Wakerie through the spectacular riverland Day 3: Interstate at last – today we would fly in 3 states in one country and we put down in Wakerie for a break and late lunch and day! Departing Mildura was a mighty sight with 30+ Rotaxes purring to arrange our accommodation for the night. Later in the afternoon, away on the tarmac and the morning commuters from Mildura scratch­ many of the pilots chose to do a local flight from Wakerie to Morgan, ing their heads in amazement that we’d come so far and were going where the Murray makes a 90 degree turn towards the coast. This farther still. Perfect weather forecast again today. As last year, this flight is still one of the most memorable to all the pilots we talked proved to be one of the best day’s flying in many of the pilots’ lives. to on the trip. The afternoon air was magnificent and the view of the The country from Mildura to Renmark is just massive red paddocks Murray river meandering off into the distance was picture perfect. It of ploughed earth and salt bush. If you think you’re going to go on was worth all the organisation and preparation just for that moment. a trip like this with 40 other microlights and all fly together in forma­ After returning to Wakerie, trikes were laid flat and read their tion like a WWII bombing run, then think again. All the pilots in bedtime story, then all were off to the metropolis of Wakerie for their groups of 3 or 4 had their own adventures and ideas of places to another counter meal and chats around the bar. With 42 aircraft we see. You would be lucky to see another microlight between airfields. actually had 60 people in total – it was actually like we’d imported Just the occasional chatter and funny comment on your chat-channel. people into the town just for the night: Everywhere you walked you’d Speaking of chat-channel, a few pilots were getting quite a run into another trike pilot or passenger. During last year’s Murray reputation for their radio calls. The classic in our small group was trip we were stranded in Wakerie for 3 days – enough for any man! Darrell Cochrane: As we flew over a large rabbit mound and the I was glad to see that the next day’s forecast was flyable and we could rabbits scurried for their holes, Darrell said over the radio, “I wish depart the land of the big orange. I had a ferret with me right now”. After Therese and I had stopped Day 4: This was the last day of the trip for the South Australians. laughing, I actually stopped to imagine what a ferret box would look We headed for Blanchtown and continued down the magnificent like on a trike. Ventilation wouldn’t be much of a problem, but would cliffs of the Murray river to Murray Bridge. The view of trikes the little ferrets have to wear a flying suit? Or maybe you could just winding their way like aerial motorbikes along the river like a road velcro them to the side and drop them when required. I think Darrell was memorable. It makes me proud to think of the many pilots who regretted the comment, but we won’t let him forget. are now well beyond their wildest dream of where they thought they

30 Skysailor Free Flying

Top left: Ian and faithful driver Judith Rees, with baby. Top centre left: Les and Jean Tyac. Top centre right: Paula Eustace flew a Drifter along the Murray. Top right: Bill Worrall and Clarrie Rowdon. Bottom left: Rex and Jenny Ates. Bottom right: Tony and Therese could fly their trike. Everyone dreams that when they buy Dennis are laughing in their cold weather boots. their trike they can just fly off somewhere camp the night Photos: Tony Dennis and fly off somewhere else. I think that by the time we had reached South Australia they’d realised their dream had come true. This was not just another toy they had bought that the 1st refuelling point and push on to Bordertown. The landing at would sit dormant in the corner of the shed for most of its life, it Border­town was the most exciting for many pilots on the whole trip. really was the freedom machine they’d imagined when they bought it. The wind was gusting 25kt on the ground and was quite rough. A stopover at Murray Bridge airfield as we waited for our buses to Everyone landed safely, with some very impressive efforts from some catch up and we topped up for the last leg into Strathalbyn. This was of the low airtime pilots. the last day we were still together as a group. The South Australians We pushed on to Horsham and decided to call it quits. Four of were now home and Bob Silva and Victor Szabo from Noosa left us the pilots could smell home and decided to push on from Horsham for some flying in the Northern Territory. and fly on to their home base at Point Cook. With a 2 minute Larry Jones had organised an evening meal at a local restaurant and Formula One style refuel at Ballarat, they made it home at Point it was a great opportunity to spin yarns and thank the South Australians Cook with minutes to spare. Russell Duncan, from Airborne for their participation in this historic event. The South Australians, Windsports, and Richard Snedden, both flying new Airborne Wizards as you may read in some articles, are experts at sky-camping, regularly with passengers, set a blistering flight from Strathalbyn through to flying 100’s of nautical miles on a weekend, carrying everything they Wangaratta in one day. Over 500nm. Not bad for an aircraft with a need on and in their microlights, they really have proved that their trim speed of only 40 to 45kt. They also had no ground support. trikes are versatile cross-country machines. The camaraderie gained Congratulations guys! and the knowledge and experiences swapped about microlighting It was batten the hatches down at Horsham. The front would on this kind of trip are invaluable. Everyone came away better pilots. come through tonight, so most of the pilots made their aircraft ready Day 5: This day proved to be the making of many pilots. We for some strong winds. The advantage of a trike is that you can were all up before sunrise to depart Strathalbyn. The honeymoon was quickly pack a wing up and transport it. We used this to our full over. The forecast was for a front to start pushing through with 20 to advantage at Horsham as we crammed as many packed wings and 30 knot northerly winds predicted. We really had to move as a group trike bases in any available hangarage to keep them dry. and each group leader had to make a decision whether his group was All the trikes on the trip were 2-seaters, although half of them capable of making the day. A big consideration of the day was if we were flown as single-seaters with pilot only. There was Shane Gleeson got stuck half way between Strathalbyn and Horsham would we find in his Pegasus XL, who proved that slow and steady wins the race. sufficient accommodation for over 40 people. We elected to go. On our day from Strathalbyn to Horsham he was cruising at 37kt With the climb-out at Strathalbyn my GPS was only reading without needing a fuel stop and arrived 2 hours ahead of us who had 22kt. This would be a slow day. As we climbed higher and higher and become minibus reliant as we needed more juice. There were a couple passed over the mouth of the Murray and Lake Alexandrina, we of Pegasus Q’s and about 10 Pegasus Quantums, with John Oliver in pushed through 5,000ft. It was getting very cold. Reports on the his 4 stroke 912. He was just cruising! There were a variety of radio started coming through: We were moving into a tailwind. The Airborne Edge Executives and the new Edge X. The new Wizard GPS would pay for itself today. We were getting tailwinds in excess wing was on a lot of the Airborne Edge X trikes and, although of 40kt. Some trikes were recording ground speeds close to 100kt. described as a slower wing, easily kept up with the faster, slick We had to make good time on this day as we could see it might be Quantums. Most of the instructors flew their Wizards. Although this the last day we fly for a day or two. Many pilots elected to overfly trip wasn’t about speed anyway… there was no need to race the clock!

Skysailor 31 Free Flying

MURRAY TRIP ‘98 easy 100nm final leg back to Benalla and Wangaratta. It was an eerie sensation to be flying cross-country and to recognise the outline of Even though this was a trike gathering and trip, we had a Drifter the hills in the distance – they were the hills of home. Even though flown by Paula Gleeson with a most capable human GPS in Kevin I’m so used to looking at them everyday I fly, they looked excitingly Gleeson. Kevin is an AUF instructor and has been instructing pilots new again. What was more exciting was to know that 42 of us had for nearly 40 years. Kevin is used to doing this sort of flight along the set off and all had returned safely and better for the experience. Murray river in a day in a conventional aircraft. He thought it might The groups split with some aircraft returning to Wangaratta to become a little boring taking 8 days for this flight in a Drifter and collect their cars and trailers and the rest returning to Benalla, the was pleasantly surprised by the fun and camaraderie on this trip. drivers not far behind. He’s already booked in for next year! The ground crew did a magnificent job: Each bus and group of Drewe Bellmaine, who last year flew his 912 Quantum on the pilots openly thought they had the best bus and the best driver. There Murray trip, couldn’t wait to show off his brand new amphibious was not one complaint or bad word for any of the support group and Searey this year! Unfortunately for Drewe he was unable to obtain we appreciate their assistance. Don Payne, now a veteran of the his water landing licence before attending the trip. (No fault of his Murray trip (this was the 2nd time he had driven for us), Stuart own, there just aren’t many water landing instructors around.) He Malone, who felt like a week off work and made the foolish mistake enjoyed the trip just as much in the Searey. Although flying over of being a pilot driving a bus on a trike tour – he said he’d never drive the 500nm of the Murray River must have been a bit frustrating! again, he will fly next time. He has already organised his father-in-law Day 6 and 7: It was six days on the road and a good time to catch to drive for next year’s Murray trip. Jean Dennis (who was roped in at up on some sleep and washing. 12 hours notice to drive, because Horsham is a great town. With the husband John fell ill with the use of our minibuses our groups flu) certainly had a different divided: Some toured the BECOMING A PILOT week to what she had planned Grampians and some were off to while John was going Mt Gambier for a day trip. Why bother? Why fly? to be away and Judith Rees – Pat and Dave Pendreigh had Flying is probably the greatest adventure and the most a special thanks for her valiant made the journey from Gladstone enjoyable hobby for people of all ages. It is by far the and charming nature with new in Queensland to attend this trip. baby in tow. She showed great We don’t think they’d ever seen most rewarding and pleasant way to see this great ability and super-mum weather this cold before! They only country. It also changes your outlook on life. To see tendencies while chauffeuring owned one jumper. Cameron the world from an aircraft which you, yourself, are her busload of pilots around Tunbridge was another adventurer piloting, is an unforgettable experience. It is also a the countryside to arrive at from the north. Cameron had relaxing and great way of relieving the stresses of airports in unheard of towns. flown his Edge from Newcastle to everyday life. It is a wonderful learning experience We want to extend a big Wangaratta unassisted (no ground enough thank you to all the support) and then attended the about the atmosphere, weather, geography, geology, fantastic people and personalities Murray trip. After the trip he flew physiology, technology and human nature. that took part in our adventure. his trike home again, close to a There were no complaints at from “Trial Instructional Flight” by David Robson 2,000nm round trip. all from the participants or any His basebar mounted video camera other person or party – all the produced magnificent footage – so airfields were very impressed smooth and flowing! Paul Blackburn also flew his Edge from with us as aviators and more than happy to see microlights return. Canberra return. Well done everyone! There was something I realised on our last days in Horsham as Ian Rees summed the Murray trip up best at our club meeting we talked, joked and toured the town: None of us had ever asked in Melbourne: “We’ve just flown 42 aircraft over 1,000 nautical miles, each other what they did for a living. There was no distinction between we’ve done over 1,000 take-offs and landings between us and over any of us from our occupation or background. We were all just out 1,000 rotax hours combined in our aircraft without any accidents or there flying and having fun. There was no rivalry at all or ridicule incidents. This is what I bought my aircraft for – to fly safely and for about ‘my trike being faster than your trike’. The trip really highlight­ ­ fun.” Next year we will limit the numbers to 60 trikes. (We worked ed the fact it didn’t matter what you flew just as long as you were out that if everyone took off at about a minute interval, on some legs there flying it. Horsham was our last dinner together as the group of the Murray trip we’d have pilots landing before the rest of the field was growing smaller – people were looking just so happy. had taken off!) This year we had 19 of the 21 pilots who’d attended Every morning at Horsham we would gather at McDonald’s for the first year. Next year I’m sure we will get almost all the pilots a quick weather check and ponder the likelihood of getting airborne. who came this year again and more. Be one of them. It was one of those opportunities where you would have loved to have a camera: At quarter to 7 in the morning our pimply faced 15 year Watch the video – 1 hour 45 minutes. Available from: The Right old McDonald’s staff, who were probably accustomed to selling one Altitude, 140 Clarke St, Benalla 3672. Post your cheque or money order egg and bacon McMuffin an hour, faced 30 hungry microlight pilots ($20 + $5 express postage) and you’re guaranteed to watch it over and 5 deep at the counter, all trying to outdo each other with the highest over. (Thanks to Stuart Malone who compiled the best of four videos wing loading food they could buy. taken. Big job! Great result.) Day 8: Trikes assembled again, tyres kicked for the last day and Murray trip ’98 Chief Flying Instructors: Microlight Aviation farewell to the relaxing break – we were off again in the cold air to Specialists (MAS) members Tony Dennis, Larry Jones, Paul Haines and St Amaud. Through to Bendigo with a fuel and lunch stop and an Bob Silver; as well as John Oliver and Greg Withers.

32 Skysailor Insert Moyes B&W ad

Skysailor 33 Free Flying

MOVING TOWARD A JOINT MAGAZINE FOR GLIDING SPORTS IAN JARMAN, Trial Gliding magazine Timetable It would be appropriate for the joint Joint magazine committee to meet 7 HGFA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR magazine to provide a very positive and November 1998, Melbourne Airport Centra. convincing lead up to the amalgamation vote Business to include: Both organisations are experiencing some and hence we should produce issues in • development of style, layout, format, March, April and May. To provide suitable production quality guidelines challenges in balancing the conflicting issues production lead time for any changes • identification of content editors and following the vote, it would be best to run content policies related to effective communications via this trial joint magazine as monthly issues (discipline balance) beginning March and running through to • identification of final production and print media, this still being our primary July. By mid-June we should have sufficient advertising management feedback to determine how to proceed with • identification of printing and distribution means of member communication. August and subsequent issues. options By going monthly we resolve the need to • identification of contribution deadlines produce intermediate publications such as • confirmation of regularity of issue, L/D. However, it is still important to advertising rates n discussion with Henk Meertens (GFA) proceed with an on-line publication for • Training issue – combined regarding the proposed joint magazine and marketplace advertising, safety and urgent • appointment of editorial committee Ithe schedule for amalgamation, and in notices and to communicate the more • identification of final production editor view of recent feedback perhaps, this trial of tedious administrative aspects specific to each • advertising rates, print deadline, size of a combined magazine should incorporate organisation or discipline so that the print run and full production budget current production standards and revert to masthead magazine maintains a serious 9 Nov 1998 Notification in Skysailor & monthly issues. This could be achieved at no article focus with suitable photos and quality AG of the magazine changes extra cost to either organisation, but would presentation appropriate to a publication for 1999. probably negate any potential savings that capable of news stand presence. 1 Dec 1998 Dec/Jan issues of magazines, were expected by moving from two separate current arrangements magazines to one. You will recall that we Online administrative Nov/Dec 98 Training issue editorial forecast a saving of about $30,000 to publication committee to collect content $50,000 through the production of a There should be direct links to/from the new and advertising bi-monthly joint magazine. magazine homepage to/from GFA web site, 15 Jan 1999 Training issue to printers With the amalgamation vote set for May to/from HGFA web site, to/from L/D or 25 Jan 1999 Training issue available for next year we need to get this matter resolved similar type publication sites for both GFA distribution very quickly as the current Skysailor and AG & HGFA, at least until amalgamation is 1 Feb 1999 Content deadline March issue production­ schedules leave very little time to confirmed or rejected. This latter publication joint magazine plan a smooth transition. would also be produced in a very cheap 15 Feb 1999 March mag to printers format and sent to clubs free of charge (12 Feb 1999 Letters insert deadline) Trainee/new member issue (perhaps 10-20 copies per club) for 19 Feb 1999 Magazine and inserts to Following this Dec/Jan Skysailor issue, the distribution to those members who want it. mailing house next issue is nominally our Trainee/New Urgent safety notices could be emailed to all 22 Feb 1999 Mail out of March issue to member issue, due 1 February 1999. on-line members/facilities etc. members Consideration should be given to broadening On line publications available the scope of this training issue to include Inserts and distributed to clubs gliding in the broadest sense. This will In the months leading up to the 1 Mar 1999 New magazine received by all increase its potential for attracting advertising amalgamation vote the three issues of this members revenue and expand the sporting options new magazine could contain a short lead This sort of monthly schedule would then being presented to new members. time letters insert to provide an up to date repeat for subsequent issues. forum on the amalgamation proposal. This would ensure appropriate access to discussion for the members and leave the editors free to produce a higher quality gliding magazine.

34 Skysailor Free Flying

CLUBBING TOGETHER... IS PERHAPS NOT A PRE-HISTORIC RITUAL IAN JARMAN, able to grow and develop a strong and The National Board has been very productive presence for the sport in WA. pleased with the response toward greater club HGFA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Rick Williams is the contact for the club involvement and we can recommend to all (08 92943962 (h), Mobile 015 057961) members that being part of a club not only There appears to be a quiet revolution, a which has a focus (amongst other things) improves your flying opportunities but on enjoying and promoting the sport, the creates important social networks and helps shifting of the sands reflective of the development of hill launch sites close to promote and develop the sport in a positive Perth, along with developing hill flying skills. way. Active and enthusiastic clubs are our changes in member­ship and focus for our Back in Victoria the old “Southern Club” most effective weapons against site closure is doing a Lazarus and appears to be up and and membership drain so get active with sports. What is really occurring is a healthy going again. Contact is John Reynoldson your nearest club this season. 03 95970527 and meetings are set for the evolution of HGFA clubs as a changing 1st Tuesday of each month at the Middle Park Hotel on Canterbury Road. I image Finally Flew membership adjusts there will be a welcomed return to strange JOHN NORTON hand and arm actions at the bar as old and to a new environment and a new set of new tales are recounted over a few lemonades. Well fly I did, by George, There are also a number of other groups the thrill achieved at last, needs. emerging throughout the country that may to launch and soar and glide and land ultimately apply for affiliation and we look the question’s now in the past. ver the past twelve or so months we forward to seeing this trend continue. have welcomed the emergence, Some club mergers also seem inevitable I’ve hardly slept for three nights now Ore-emergence and re-vitalisation of as flying populations wane and grow in just compiling all the thoughts, quite a few clubs and for some reason this response to changing site focus. The NSW and comparing hanging in the sky activity appears to be focused in WA and Sports Injury scheme has also caused the with all my other sports. Victoria at this stage. NSW Association to rationalise Two new trike clubs have stepped its club situation with some basically defunct It’s an achievement that I’ve thought about forward to answer the call for greater clubs amalgamating to form more sustainable ever since my teens, representation and organisation for our groups of members. It appears that a few of and now I feel so satisfied microlight members. The Southern Trike the smaller and less active clubs will and appreciate what it means. Club (VIC) and the South West Microlight disappear to be replaced by more viable Club (WA) have emerged as very pro-active representative groupings. Clubs such as the It means another dimension and forward thinking groups of enthusiasts Central Coast, Central West and Illawarra of looking at life itself, interested in advancing the interests and clubs and some others appear likely to go a priceless piece of possession, activities available to microlight members. this way, whilst a broad Southern NSW means plenty to my wealth. The Southern Trike club boasts over club is likely to emerge for pilots and 90 members already with the contact being members not close enough to the sites It’s everything that I’ve dreamt of, Mark Howard on 03 97511480. Club or focus of other established clubs. it’s everything that I need, meetings each 2nd Tuesday of the month it meets all my expectations at Jakes Nightclub, 23 Church St, Brighton. Club Affiliation and more may I say indeed. For WA trike pilots the contact is Paul It is however important that all existing Coffey on 08 97251161 for details of or future club officials be aware that only And I love the simple beauty forthcoming club activities. formally affiliated clubs in accordance with of the kite and the way it’s made, In hang gliding there have been some the HGFA constitution and management and now my backyard’s extended changes with the Dalwallinu Club procedures can be legally acknowledged to when I was young and played. undergoing a transformation into the under our insurance. This does require Western Soarers and then stepping forward formal application on the appropriate forms I’m not sure where it’ll take me to undertake the hosting of the Nationals… as well as separate incorporation for the club. or how long the desire will last, no small undertaking for any club. We have The Directory at the back of Skysailor will but soaring is a matter of magic also recently received an affiliation list affiliated clubs only and changes to club and on the ground a shadow I’ll cast. application for the WA Hill Flyers Club… details should be directed to the national given the number of hill sites over there office who will be able to confirm affiliation Oh sh*t, I’m just so excited you’d expect this to be a rare breed, but with and pass appropriate details to Skysailor. when I think just how long it’s been an initial membership of about 30 pilots, since I saw my first hang glider both HG and PG, I am sure this club will be right back when I’s just a teen.

Skysailor 35 Competition Flying Speeding down South

GEOFF DOSSETOR weren’t out skiing, snowboarding or using up their prizes of free activities/meals around town. There was plenty of fun for everyone Another year of WHGS Speed Gliding comes to an end. Manfred throughout the event. A cold front passed through overnight before the first practice Ruhmer blitzed a class field in both rounds day, leaving the mountain covered with soft, fluffy snow. Once this was trampled down, launches were possible in almost any direction of the Greek event and I managed to sneak home to win the only from the top of Greengates chairlift. Launching anywhere from the south round to west allowed pilots time to zip up their harnesses and round possible at the Canadian World Cup. dive on the start gate. Taking off further north of west forced pilots to glide efficiently over a saddle and around a corner just to make the The season was to reach a climax in New Zealand however, with the start gate or face a five second penalty for starting below the gate. With practice, most pilots managed to get through the start gate correctly fastest four pilots thrusting themselves to the top of the world each day and some consistently dived through at high speed. The top half of the course was similar to last year – fast with lots rankings. of turns. Improvements to the location and order of pylons and height control gates allowed the fastest pilots to stay low down the entire robably the most common name in the English speaking 1,700ft to the ski field car park. Skiers and snowboarders could watch world would have to be John Smith. Ask any hang glider any part of this upper course while riding the Greengates chair­lift. Ppilot in New Zealand about John Smith though and Many then made their way down to watch gliders swooping through they’ll know exactly who you are referring to! They will tell you that any of the upper five control gates. The presence of a Speed Gliding he is anything but ordinary when it comes to flying fast and pushing World Cup at Coronet Peak was quite a drawcard for the ski field. the envelope. You almost certainly know the reputations of Gérard Word around Queenstown was to ski at Coronet that week instead Thevenot and Rob Kells, who have ended previous years on top of of the other three ski areas because speed gliding was great to watch! the WHGS rankings. Don’t even think that John Smith just got lucky Once through the top half of the course, pilots had to slow down this year. He pushed Thevenot all the way when first attempting considerably. Most discovered this by landing short of the finish gate Speed Gliding in Korea last season. In 1998, John Smith was awe­ on practice days. Still, there were a lot of pilots flying too fast during some in defeating some tough competition. He combined precision the competition who landed agonisingly short of the line. This year and speed in a style that will be hard for any pilot to match in future. the finish was further away at the Flight Park, situated on a plateau WHGS rankings are determined by accumulating points from about 100ft higher than the valley floor. This, along with the landing any World Cup rounds flown during the season. Up to 10 rounds being slightly headwind and up a gently increasing slope, deceived can be counted for each pilot, however, only the best three results can pilots into making the finish line more easily than was possible. Many be included from any one World Cup. 1998 saw no pilots compete pilots dived at the ground before the line and found they didn’t float in more than one World Cup. With New Zealand holding four valid very far up the slope. Some even lost excess height on their final glide, rounds, anyone placing well there was sure to be ranked higher than only to be left pounding their fists on the turf just metres short of the most of the pilots who competed in Greece or Canada. The New line. The penalty was severe since no matter how fast you had flown Zealand Speed Gliding World Cup was well advertised and promoted the course, not flying across the finish line placed you behind even so there can be no excuses for pilots who did not attend. If you want the slowest pilot who did! The top six pilots overall managed to cross to be up there in the WHGS rankings in 1999 then you would be the line in every round however. well advised to plan a September holiday in Queenstown, NZ. Time penalties along the course worked well. The previous year, You’d better start practising at flying really fast, low, efficiently and any missed gate or turns on course resulted in an instant disqualification. accurately too, if you want to have any chance of beating John Smith. Time penalties were 30 seconds on the upper course. After that there Each morning, gliders were loaded and transported on a snow were some long glides out over the valley. Penalties were severe for groomer from Coronet Peak base buildings to the summit. This anyone cutting either turnpoint along the lower part of the course allowed pilots to sleep in later if they wished to leave their glider (2 minutes and then 1 minute). Competitors could choose to fly overnight at the pick up point. A problem with summer speed gliding correctly through the height controlled finish gate or take a 30 second combined with cross-country competition is that you must be up penalty flying between, but above the poles. This way, a pilot could very early each morning for smooth air and then have time for every­ choose to avoid a downwind landing up the finish slope, though it one to get back up for the thermals! The fun side of a comp can was usually a headwind, if anything. Further penalties were given suffer as a result. Queenstown, which concentrated on speed gliding, for poor landings, 5 seconds for touching the basebar or wheels, 15 was held at a time of year which offers spring thermalling, but serves seconds for nosing in and 30 seconds for breaking anything on your up smooth conditions (as long as the wind is light) for the majority glider (or yourself). These landing penalties were to discourage pilots of the day. Four rounds were flown over three of the seven days from carrying too much ballast or flying a glider they couldn’t handle. allocated. Even though there were problems with strong wind for Round 1 saw Andy Watson from Australia complete the course four days, many pilots were still able to ridgesoar or thermal if they in 5min 48sec, just 1 second faster than John Smith. Andy wasn’t so

36 Skysailor Competition Flying Speeding down South

confident as he packed his Laminar away though, his fears were 15th overall out of 24 pilots. The NZ Speed Gliding World Cup confirmed later when the judge at Gate 4 penalising him 30 seconds turned out to be a complete test of pilot skill. It incorporated the for being too high. Callum Fisher placed 4th for the round, only ability to fly fast with precision, efficiency and good judgement. 50 seconds slower than the winner, on his kingposted Desire. The Competitors had to be competent at foot launching and landing slowest times down the course were around 9 minutes, with up to to do well. They also had to be consistent and show some nerve 3 minutes of penalties on top. if they wanted to place at the top. Since the weather had cancelled some days, a 2nd round was While I tallied up the scores, most of the competitors and some flown on the same day. Pilots balanced gliders on the chairlift, which extras loaded their gliders onto helicopters which dropped them stopped briefly to load and eventually unload everyone. This round 4,000ft higher up onto the Remarkables, a mountain range which would show what difference a small mistake could make. John Smith dominates the beautiful Queenstown skyline. With a soarable breeze on a Moyes CSX (5min 16sec) was one second ahead of Andy Watson, blowing up the face of the range, some pilots eventually pulled out who in turn was just ahead of Australian Karl Ewing (5min 18sec). of wave lift at around 9,000ft. Every pilot returned with smiles and Watson, though penalised 15 seconds for nosing in his landing, held tales to tell of their flight on a mountain range which truly lived up onto 2nd place. Karl Ewing dropped to 5th place with a 30 second to its name! penalty at turnpoint 5, leaving him 4 seconds behind Kiwi Warren It was a fitting end to the most successful speed gliding event of Simonsen (5min 44sec) and also behind Conrad Loten (5min 45sec). all time. Oamaru stone trophies, carved by renowned sculptor Ross This round also demonstrated the advantage that kingpostless gliders Heywood, were awarded to the top three pilots and the first placed seemed to have in this competition, especially when flown with a high female. More prizes were handed out as pilots and friends proceeded wing loading. Kingposted gliders were as fast as 5min 57sec, but the to drink until the bar was dry. Throughout the week, every competitor big boys were leading the way! was awarded at least one prize, often more than one. Every pilot had I test flew the course early on the next flyable day. Conditions a blast. The event was fun, close, spectacular and rewarding. Media were good, but after I landed an official relayed back that wind had attention on hang gliding has never been greater in New Zealand, increased on launch. At 11am, the round was delayed until later that with television, radio and newspapers all getting behind the event. afternoon. As soon as judges were allowed time off to have fun in the Sponsors were happy with the exposure and return business they snow, the wind dropped and competitors were left to wait and drool received throughout­ the week. Pilots who entered were rewarded as some free fliers floated around in light thermals. Heavyweight Karl with the top WHGS rankings for 1998. All this even when we had Ewing was starting to get the hang of slalom flying by round 3 of his strong wind for over half the competition! first speed gliding competition. Mistakes on course had already cost Keep your eyes peeled for information on next year’s NZ World him dearly, but that afternoon Ewing propelled his Moyes CSX down Cup. More sponsorship is potentially in the pipeline. I can run it the course in record time (5min 10sec). Even with a 5 second landing again, but only with the support of pilots entering. We had four penalty for touching his basebar to the ground, Karl was 6 seconds competitors come over from Australia and just enough New ahead of John Smith. Slower times followed in a familiar order – Zealanders to make it viable, which was great! I’d like to see more Watson, Simonsen, Loten. pilots from Australia and around the world coming to Queenstown Only one round was possible on the final day. Though the in 1999. Let’s make it a truly international event with 50 competitors. weather was perfect for more, the scores had to be finalised in time It will be the most fun you’ve had at a hang gliding competition ever for the presentation. Karl Ewing again had the fastest time down the and you will be helping to promote our sport! course (5min 21sec), but found he’d cut short a turnpoint and once Please register your interest by emailing Geoff Dossetor with your penalised 30 seconds, dropped back to 3rd. Simonsen could have name and contact details to [email protected] (If you don’t have held down 3rd for the round, had he not nosed in on landing. 4th email then ask someone who does to send it for you). This will place for him here was still just enough for him to hold down overall be the comp of the century! 3rd place for the NZ World Cup. The effect was to be felt though on their overall world rankings: Tallied from each pilot’s best three Results Points placings, Simonsen finished 4th, just behind Ewing. 1 John Smith NZ Moyes CSX 900 This World Cup belonged to John Smith however. His time 2 Andy Watson AUS Icaro Laminar ST 801 of 5min 32sec remained the fastest of the final round after Ewing’s 3 Karl Ewing AUS Moyes CSX 717 penalty was added. Watson was 5 seconds slower, but still well and 4 Warren Simonsen NZ Icaro Laminar ST 677 truly in 2nd place for the round and overall. Though Smith’s times 5 Manfred Ruhmer A Icaro Laminar ST 600 were beaten on three of the rounds, he never even looked like making 6 Conrad Loten NZ Moyes CSX 533 a mistake on course or when landing. Watson’s consistently fast times 7 Callum Fisher NZ EW Desire 529 helped him to easily hold down 2nd overall. These two pilots deserved 8 Guido Gehrmann D La Mouette Topless 474 to be ranked numbers one and two in the WHGS for 1998. 9 Bill Degen NZ EW Desire 471 Conrad Loten on a Moyes CSX narrowly held out 5th place 10 Gérard Thevenot LUX La Mouette Topless 470 from 19 year old rookie Callum Fisher, flying a Desire. Tascha McLellan, lightly loading a CSX, was the only female pilot, finishing

Skysailor 37 Free Flying

Maureen and Daryl get ready to take off from their private strip. Travels in our Trike DARYL AND MAUREEN COCHRANE

Christening our Airstrip ing to take its toll as we had now been in the air for an hour and a half. On Friday, 17 July, we had a ripper frost and I made arrangements Back home, our 400m runway with trees at each end looked like for our daughters to run the shop. Maureen had moved the cows and a cricket pitch from the air compared to Benalla. The soft runway horses into their respective holding paddocks and we struggled to find had the advantage of slowing us down as we hurtled towards the white a spot free of manure and mud, to set up the wing. It was just after gums at 45kt. Because of the fine forecast for the weekend, we lunch when we were finally ready to fly. wheeled the trike into our hangar, to keep the cows of it, and Our East-West runway allows take-offs to the East only because of dropped the wing. the 100ft high white gums on the banks of the Yarra near the western end. As I taxied down to the river end, Maureen walked alongside to A great weekend do one more final check for objects on the runway. White frost as thick as snow greeted us on Saturday morning, so we The surface was quite boggy and soft in places. didn’t set up until lunchtime. This time our destination was Healesville, Bringing the revs up to just over 6,000, the take-off was a little the Yarra flats are wide here and so we flew reasonably low. slow, due to the runway conditions, but soon we were above our property for the first time.This was the climax to a year’s training, runway building and spending thousands of dollars! At about 1,400ft we levelled out and headed downstream over the town of Launching Place and as far as Woori Yallock. Heading back to Yarra Junction, we circled just on the town limits to wave to our girls standing in the carpark at the back of the shop. Our friend and flying buddy, Peter cooper, was working at a nearby winery, so we flew over and waved at him too, knowing he’d be green with envy. We continued to follow the Little Yarra river to Powelltown. From 1,700ft we could see Neerim and Baw Baw in the distance. We headed back to Yarra Junction, at times climbing to 2,000ft over tiger country. Over this height it was bitterly cold and we tried to keep our height to a minimum.From Yarra Junction we headed to Warburton with snow clearly visible on Donna Buang. Big Pats Creek valley had plenty of land­ ing options, so we flew as far as these allowed us to. The cold was start­ Near Mt Slide, on the way back from Benalla.

38 Skysailor Free Flying

for us to go. It was possible to fly from one valley to the next over clearings with enough height to stay safe and have good landing options. It was the best! We arrived at Benalla around 3:15pm to be told that Bill had been there, but had left with Tony and Therese and hadn’t come back. We had no car, accommodation or clothes for an overnight stay. Luckily a kind lady from the “Yarindi” sheep property ran a B&B and took us into her lovely home for the night. Rhyllis was the best host and fed us a fabulous dinner and breakfast. She told us to fly straight into her property next time we came, as the gliders had often landed and taken off from her huge paddock – on 1,500 acres landing is not a problem! Later that morning we headed back to the airport, picking up fuel on our way. Not much time was spend packing, as we hadn’t planned to stay in the first place. We were really travelling light: a thermos, tea and coffee, nuts and fruit. We phoned Peter for a forecast and headed Daryl and Maureen during this year’s Murray trip. back to Narangi airstrip, this time with Daryl in control. It was cooler on Sunday and we flew a little lower to stay warmer. On reaching Healesville, we followed the Chum creek towards Upon landing, we met Peter and Anne, the owners of the property, Mt St Leonards and sighted our friends’ place, Lance and Marion who were very pleasant and really made us feel welcome. After some Sheppard, a hang glider pilot whose house we circled before turning lunch we were airborne again on our way home. Peter and Anne flew back for home. Landing was becoming less daunting after the first alongside to take some pictures, but as we approached Healesville, effort and the trike was once again tied down in the hangar frame. they decided to turn back and said goodbye. They had about 14nm Peter rang on Sunday. He was wanting to fly for the first time from to go home, we had about 10nm to go to our runway. their property, so first I took my daughter for her first ever flight in a Once home I rang our daughters who had offered to pick us up if trike. On landing, Maureen suited up and we launched and headed for we got stuck. We told them that we were stuck at Tocumwal near Powelltown. Peter and Jan heard us coming and started a fire to show Cobram­ and they told us that it would take them a while to get us, by us the wind direction. The smoke showed nil wind and after a couple which time we were laughing so hard that they knew they had been of circuits I set up a final over the huge river white gums. Their strip set is about 400m long and we touched down about halfway along. up and were relieved to hear we had gotten home alright. With our help, Peter’s trike was assembled in no time. We decided to first do some circuits to get used to Pete’s strip. Maureen took the pilot’s seat and we blasted off over the local free range egg farm, Trike Accident/Incident Survey sending chooks scurrying for cover from our huge flying birds. After a few successful circuits we stopped for a late lunch, courtesy of Jan’s PAUL HAINES hospitality. The weather was still absolutely perfect, so we headed off down the valley. As we approached Yarra junction, Maureen radioed to Date No A/c Type Licence Total Hrs Type Hrs Injury Pete and Jan that she was going to land at home as she wanted to get 25/7/98 26 Pegasus Student - - Nil Quantum her first landing over and done with. After a large circuit, Maureen The instructor was conducting precautionary search and landing practice with the set up a long final and glided in over the trees to touch down halfway student pilot in the front seat. When near to the ground, the student froze on the controls down the strip. and applied power. Despite verbal and physical input from the instructor, the aircraft It had turned out to be a fantastic weekend since we had not landed heavily on the nose wheel and bounced back into the air. After a circuit and expected to fly off our strip until summer. It was only just over a year gentle landing by the instructor, subsequent inspection showed some plastic deformation of the base tube near the steering head. The whole aircraft is being carefully checked for since we had spend a weekend at Bright where I had organised for signs of overstress. Maureen to go for a tandem hang glide in an effort to give her an understanding of my love for flying. Because of the poor hang gliding Date No A/c Type Licence Total Hrs Type Hrs Injury conditions, Steve suggested to take Maureen on a trike flight and 11/8/98 27 Airborne Pilot 400 400 Nil I passed him extra to get her hooked in one flight! Edge 582 Pilot was flying with a passenger over water at too low a height to glide back to the beach should engine failure occur. The engine, which had done 500 hours chose this Yarra Bend to Benalla moment to have a big end failure, and the aircraft landed very hard (possibly stalled) in Another frosty Saturday morning and Daryl smudged out the runway shallow water. The impact caused the trike to roll over, totally destroying the machine. again – as usual the cows and horses had run themselves silly trying Luckily, both pilot and passenger were uninjured. to wreck it, but they had failed this time as it was still flyable. We put Date No A/c Type Licence Total Hrs Type Hrs Injury the wing on the trike and once again got airborne. This was my first 18/9/98 28 Pegasus Pilot 45 45 Nil flight out of our place and the weather was looking really good. Quantum 582 We headed round Mt Tooblawung and towards Healesville, staying Pilot was undergoing ‘refresher’ training with an instructor in the back seat. They were over the valleys – it was great to be free again! When we reached Mt conducting practiced forced landing approaches with the engine at idle, into some Slide, I gave a radio call and Peter Mc Lean returned it. He was on his grassy cow paddocks. After one such attempt, on initial climb out from the paddock at approximately 400 feet, the big end failed, seizing the motor. The instructor immediately way flying to meet us. It wasn’t long before we had him in sight and took over and performed a perfect landing in an adjacent paddock, the main paddock together we flew to Narangi private airstrip to land in lovely calm air. being not achievable due to power lines and fences in the way. We stayed and talked for quite some time before Daryl and I decided to push on to Benalla. The Strathbogies are something else from up there and it was fantastic to look and choose the best way

Skysailor 39 Book Reviews

Sky Adventures – Stories of our Heritage Legends and Stories about the Early Days of Hang Gliding and Paragliding, edited by Jim and Maggie Palmieri. This is a book that will keep you going for a long time – with over 400 pages of stories, history, cartoons and photographs, it could keep you entertained for many winter seasons to come. Some of the historic chapters give fascinating insights into the lives and work of our early flying forefathers. Little known material about Rogallo, Lilienthal, Dickenson, Moyes and many other contributors to the sport are collected alongside a wide range of “There I was…” and many other entertaining flying stories, spanning the decades. Unfortunately, the printing quality of the 25 pages of photographs, especially the historic material, is quite low. It may have been worth­ while to invest in good reproduc­tions, to give the book the status it deserves with its other­ wise great contents. Nevertheless,­ this book makes a fascinating read and is highly recom­ mended for the free-flying enthusiast. Harry and the Hang Glider fly alongside his best mate and moral Sky Adventures, edited by Jim and Maggie This children’s book by Randall Kerchill supporter, Ollie the owl. Palmieri and published by Sky Dog Publications, with illustrations by D. D. Mullins, is aimed This book is a great way to explain retails for US$24.95 plus US$6 overseas at 6 to 8 year olds. Both, illustrations and what’s involved in our sport to children. It shipping, with free shipping for orders of 5 text, go into great detail to explain hang doesn’t gloss over any technical parts and or more books. Send US currency cheques gliding to children. makes a demand­­ing and stimulating read for or Visa/Mastercard details to: Harry the rabbit aspires to fly. When he its audience. Maybe the Easter bunny will Sky Dog Publications, 6611 Deepwoods finds out about hang gliding, he decides even arrive by air next year! Drive, Roanoke, VA 2401807645, USA. that it’s his chance to realise a dream. Harry and the Hang Glider by Randall Throughout the book Kerchill, illustrations by D. D. Mullins, he is taken through retails for US$24.95 plus postage & packing. the steps of learning to Orders to: Skyhigh Publishing, fly at a flying school, 201 N.Tyndall, Tucson, Arizona, including studying USA, ph: +(520) 6828165. theory with his instructor. While the other animals make fun of him, Harry sticks with his dream. He spends a lot of time on the training hill before he finally gets to The Third Prototype This is a paragliding Whodunnit murder mystery by Granger Banks. Although loosely based on reality, the author doesn’t let that fact get in the way of a good tale. My only regret was that the story develops a little too quickly – it could have done with a slightly more elaborate content to hold the reader in suspense for longer, as well as better research into overseas testing procedures­ and associations and accurate use of foreign languages to make it more convincing. Nevertheless, if you’re sitting out there on the hill waiting for the wind to come on or in a paddock waiting for your lift, this makes for an entertaining afternoon’s reading.

40 Skysailor Video Reviews Symbolising the pure pleasure of 4 Stanwell Park and the speed of the action flying ... Σ will make your rainy afternoon exciting – who knows, you might even watch it while the wind is on! 1998 Grand Prix Hang Gliding Series video (140 minutes) retails for $45 (Visa/Master­card payments accepted) and is available from: HGFA, PO Box 558, Tumut NSW 2720, ph: 02 69472888, fax: 02 69474328. Suzy Gneist The XC Files Produced by Johan Anderson, The XC Files reveals the intimate details of successful cross- country flying through the eyes of some of the world’s most experienced pilots.

The Third Prototype by Granger Banks, published by Sky Dog Publications, SIGMA 4 6611 Deep­woods Drive, Roanoke, VA 2401807645, USA. The all new ADVANCE SIGMA 4 1998 Grand Prix Hang Gliding represents a synthesis Series of the accumulation of Don’t know what to do on a rainy afternoon? 10 years of experience. Then get hold of this video covering the 1998 Speed Gliding and Aerobatics Hang It is a refined sports wing Gliding Series. par excellence: precision, Dynamic in-flight footage from some handling, and character of our top pilots, alongside top international are just some of its assets. ones, will make you feel like you’re in there Where security now meets going for it. The scenery of Tumut and real performance.

Covering basic meteorological indicators When thermal flying holds for cross-country conditions to valuable no more secrets, the instruction regarding launching and flying moment has come to cross-country, including some well designed diagrams, The XC Files would be an effective discover all the assets learning supplement to any teaching program. of the SIGMA 4. With on-board camera footage above the scenic Aletsch glacier in the Swiss Alps, Available in 3 sizes: 25, 27 & 29 m2. The XC Files will give pilots an educational For all up weights from 65-120 kg introduction into the art of successful cross- Certification: Afnor ʻPerfʼ and DHV 2 country flying. Chris Salmon For more information contact: The XC Files, produced by Johan Anderson, Godfrey Wenness – price and distribution details available from Johan Anderson, email: intense@iafrica. PARAFUNALIA com “The Mountain” Manilla NSW 2346

Ph: 02 67 85 65 45 Fax: 02 67 85 65 46

Skysailor 41 Rotax Bearing Failure R. GROVES

Teewah Beach, looking towards Double Island. Photo: Wayne Webb

thought this only happened to other people who weren’t as (always use fresh fuel), rise in air temperature, excessive prop load meticulous as I am, but, you guessed it, I have joined the 200 and low airflow through the radiator or over the fins. hour club. Two stroke engines will not stand overheating or With all these factors affecting the life and efficiency of our Rotax, Istanding for extended periods. Anything that inhibits fuel delivery I feel that we should have a tachometer fitted to all engines, or proper cooling or a combination of these factors can result in an a water temperature gauge and dual EGT gauge fitted to water cooled engine overheating. Fuel delivery can be affected by incorrect carby twin carby engines and a dual CHT gauge and dual EGT for air adjustment (jets, needles, etc.), low fuel pressure, dirty fuel or filter. cooled twin carby engines. Flying without these engine monitoring Fuel mixture can be affected by a leak in the air intake, change in air gauges is like playing Russian roulette. At a cost of less than $300, density and change in humidity. Other factors that will affect engine I feel it to be good insurance and an early warning system that may temperature are ignition timing too far advanced (usually not a avoid some costly engine rebuilts and airframe overhauls if you are problem with CDI), coolant inhibitor ratio, fuel octane too low unfortunate enough to have a rough landing. I come across aircraft

42 Skysailor Safety MORE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

™

Rapid link and weak link Light weight inflatable wheels not included with Linknife. without enough engine monitoring gauges, some aerotowing on Designed for pilots who occasionally hot days at low airspeeds. The only positive in doing this is that land on them, these wheels serve The Linknife is a main release as shock absorbers on hard you are usually within glide of an airstrip. I don’t want to make that works by cutting the weaklink you all paranoid, but I think we should have engine monitoring It is also a backup release which can be ground and measure 200 x 50mm, gauges included in Operations Manual 6.4.2.3 Instrumentation placed almost anywhere in the system. weigh 450g and have a diameter of 35mm. They require adaptor Weightshift Microlights. An altimeter with QNH subscale, airspeed The two stainless steel blades form a V which will quickly and cleanly cut sleeves to fit them to control bars. indicator and hour meter will do nothing to warn you of potential anything that fits into the 6mm slots, Only $74/pair plus p&h engine problems. including perlon, webbing, towline and, (Cheaper than a new upright!) As we use full throttle settings more often to climb faster, cruise of course, weaklink­ string of any faster and aerotow at low speed, we are stretching these engines to strength. Only $29.50 plus p&h their limits. I fly wiser now and hope to avoid costly rebuilts. Check your Rotax manual for temperatures not to be exceeded, buy quality gauges and senders, keep an eye on those temperature gauges, pitch your propeller to achieve max RPM and you will save in the long run. Dust Devil – CO2 actuated, rechargeable wind direction indicator for XC pilots. Dropped from altitude the Dust Devil ejects a large cloud of chalk upwards making the wind direction clearly visible Important Information for the Radiator Fitter from great distances. Only $64.50 plus p&h Electrolysis Diagnosis PLEASE REFER TO OUR WEBSITE Electrolysis is a highly destructive reaction caused by the passage Incotrade Australia Pty Ltd Tel: 07-3219 2034 Fax: 07-3219 2035 of electrical current through coolant and destroys its corrosion Attn Chris Nagel Mobile: 0411 793 692 prevention properties. It is a menace that attacks radiators and 35 Boronia Ave Email: [email protected] heaters and can destroy an entire engine within 20,000km. Holland Park QLD 4121 www.inco.gil.com.au/fly1.html Electrolysis occurs when electrical current flows through engine coolant in search of ground. It is most commonly caused when an electrical component or accessory somewhere in the vehicle loses ground, usually from a loose or broken ground wire. When Microlights Soaring electrical devices lose their normal electrical path to the chassis or battery ground, the current seeks out any other failure route. in most cases of radiator or heater failure, loose or missing grounds can be traced to electrical cooling fans or relays. Another cause is a bad ground wire from the engine to the chassis. Fitting new Core – No Accident Damage 1. Before removing the radiator, check the existing coolant for an electrical charge. This is done by connecting a voltmeter between the coolant and the battery ground. The meter should have a range of at least 12V (assuming the vehicle has a 12V electrical system) and a sensitivity of at least one tenth of a Volt. By connecting one test lead to battery ground and Australia’s Lazer full-face placing the other lead in the coolant (Do not touch the metal leading microlight soaring helmets core or filler neck!) any voltage reading indicates the presence of current passing through the coolant – electrolysis. Communications system. Carbon fibre and 2. If no current is found, flush out the existing coolant or $970 complete, kevlar, 780 grams. inhibitor with a quality alkaline cooling system flush. Drain including helmets, Certified to EN966 and rinse the cooling system, including the overflow bottle, with water and fit the new radiator. headsets, intercom and standards for air sports 3. Select coolant or additive for the vehicle as per manufacturer’s radio connection. helmets – $195. recommendations or an equivalent product that meets the Built-in headset also ASTM D4340-89 aluminium corrosion standard test and refill cooling system. Bring engine up to temperature and let cool. available, add $25. re-check the coolant level and top up if necessary. Raptor Designs Pty Ltd, 4. Important: Again check the coolant for any current as per procedure 1 and ensure the reading below 0.05V. If a positive PO Box 1059, Hampton North, Vic 3188 reading is found, the source of the current must be located Phone: 03-95970527 Fax: 03-95981302 as this current could destroy the radiator and the engine. web: http://www.ozemail.com.au/~aerial

Skysailor 43 Hang Gliding Federation of Australia Schedule of Fees ✁ PO Box 558, Tumut NSW 2720 Phone: 02 69472888, Fax: 02 69474328 HGFA Polo Shirt with embroidered logo Compulsory Annual Fee Structure Certificate & Insurance Fees Replacement Operations Manual $10 in navy, green, white (sizes 16-22) $30 Membership Fee Powered Operations Insurance Levy $20 Replacement Operations Manual Binder $15 HGFA Rugby Top with embroidered logo 12 months (FULL) HGFA Membership $110 Passenger Endorsement annual renewal $175 HGFA Log Book $5 in navy, green, grey (sizes 16-22) $50 plus State & Regional Development Levies Instructor Certificates annual renewal $175 Microlight Instructor Examination & check- Cap with HGFA colour logo flights (payable to Microlight Examiner) $50 West Australia $25 Combined Instructor with Passenger in red, blue, black, navy, green $15 Carrying Endorsement annual renewal $300 Level 1 Club Coach (Valid for 4 years South Australia $30 HGFA logo car sticker (no postage) $1.50 Microlight Aircraft Registration Please add $3 postage & packing for all Victoria, Tasmania & Queensland $20 HGFA Hang Gliding Training video Initial Registration, valid 5 years $200 orders. Bulk orders sent C.O.D. Cheque, money ACT $35 (23 minutes) $30 Microlight Aircraft Registration Renewal, order, bankcard, visa and mastercard accepted, HGFA Competitions Manual no charge New South Wales $35 with 5 yearly inspection documentation $100 phone orders welcome. Actual prices may vary 1998 Hang Gliding Grand Prix Series New Member Joining Fee Skysailor Subscription, for non-members from those shown. Terms: payment with order. video (140 minutes) $45 incl. 1st pilot certif. & m/ship package $30 only, 12 months subscription $55 Delivery 14 days when ex stock. †  HGFA Pilot Training Workbooks $5 Family Membership (12 months) $60 Skysailor Overseas Airmail $35 Charged at $80 per half day of inspection plus travel (plus State & Regional Development Levy) International Pilot Proficiency Identification IPPI Short Term Membership (4 months) $80 Card for overseas flying $10 Visiting Pilot Membership (4 months) $50 FAI Sporting Licence, incl. competitions expenses (max. $250 per inspection/approval). manual, FAI Badge & Records pack $20 # Includes all updated material from Level 1.

Membership Application Please complete in BLOCK letters Surname______Given Names______Address______State______Postcode______Birth Date______Home Phone______Work Phone______Club______Occupation______Sex M / F Please read and sign Membership Declaration below

Please provide the following information and tick appropriate boxes: HGFA Number (if known):______Instructor______Membership Type: New Member Renewal Re-joining Member Family Member

Visiting Pilot Member Short Term Member Subscription Only Discipline: Hang Gliding Paragliding Microlighting Parascending Membership Declaration (must be signed to gain membership) I, the undersigned, wish to apply for renewal of my HGFA membership and HGFA Pilot Certificate/s and Endorsements. Please note: The constitution provides for a limitation of liability no persons such as officers, instructors, safety or duty officers and competition organisers and their helpers to an amount which can actually be recovered under the HGFA insurance policy. If for any reason no amount is recoverable, the liability is nil. I understand that membership entitles me to Pilot Certificates and Endorsements to operate the specified aircraft in accordance with Civil Aviation Regulations and the HGFA Operations Manual and Third Party Liability Insurance within Australia ($1,000 excess). I am aware that the HGFA is assisted by the Australian Sports Commission, and as a result understand that the HGFA Doping Policy condemns the use of performance enhancing substances as both dangerous to health and contrary to the ethics and ideals of sport. I hereby agree to abide by the constitution, rules and regulations of the HGFA. Member’s Signature______Date______Payment Details

HGFA Membership fees ($110 Full or $60 Family, $30 Joining fee) (For family members, please provide name of full member with whom you reside.) $______Regional Development Levy (Determined by your State/Region of residence – see above) $______Weightshift Microlight Levy ($20) (For HG & PG motorised endorsement also) $______Total Amount due (and enclosed) $______

I wish to pay by: Cheque Postal Order Credit Card Card Number______/______/______/______Expiry Date______/______(Visa, MasterCard, Bankcard only)

Cardholder’s name______Cardholder’s Signature______Dated______Hang Gliding Federation of Australia, PO Box 558, Tumut NSW 2720 Phone: 02 69472888, Fax: 02 69474328 44 Skysailor Test Report

THE FIREBIRD IGNITION

QUENTIN KING I had a chance to fly a large Firebird Ignition today at Mieussy. Although I only flew for one hour (cunimb stopped play), it was intense and violent at times, so I was able to get a good impression of the wing’s handling in strong air.

he Ignition is Firebird’s new DHV 1/2 offering. It looks similar to the DHV 2 Flame, but with a reduced aspect ratio (4.9:1 Tflat). This is comparable to the Advance Epsilon 2 and a little less than the Nova Xact. The glider has 43 cells (no diagonals), and is pleasingly light as a result (5.9kg). It has four risers (3A,4B,3C,3D) and the outer A line has it’s own mini riser to make big ears easy (which I appreciated during the flight). This is kept together with the main A riser using velcro. I flew the large size (29m2, 75-95kg) at about 90kg all up, but a medium (60-80kg) and extra large (90-120kg) are also available. The French A League championship was held at Mieussy at the time, so I decided to tag along and attempt the course: 3 turnpoints, 70km total distance. I reverse launched into a brisk thermic wind, the glider came overhead perfectly with no overshoot. The fun started once I was in the air, and I don’t mean this ironically! This wing is fun to fly. It combines good communication with M.A.R.V.I.N. manners. It has great stability without being a brick. From the moment I was airborne I concentrated on fitting in with the 50 or so other The weatherman that never sleeps. gliders just above take-off. It wasn’t long before I found a nice 4m/s thermal and climbed past half a dozen comp wings. The difference was that the thermal had 100% of my attention. I didn’t even think Realtime weather conditions for Stanwell Park, about the wing, which is the highest compliment I can pay it. By the time I was within a few kilometers of the first turnpoint, broadcast 24 hours a day. a huge cloud was raining on us and the task was cancelled. I fought Phone 1901 166 552 my way back up the valley into a very strong headwind and continuous violent punchy thermals. Once again, I was able to and enter pin number 166 upon request. overtake several comp wings by flying with full speed bar for most of the way while they flew mostly unaccelerated. By this time there had apparently already been two reserve deployments (which I didn’t see) This weather station was designed and and I’d watched several gliders loosing control, so most pilots were flying cautiously! manufactured by Gateway Engineering. The Ignition has light brake pressure even over a fairly long travel. This is a matter of taste, but I personally prefer it to the shorter travel For more information on M.A.R.V.I.N. phone of the Epsilon 2. I can’t comment on the performance, but in strong 0419 445 729 or (02) 6294 6389. air I felt at a considerable advantage over the high performance gliders around me. I don’t doubt that the glider has ample performance for XC flying, especially in the Alps. While flying the Ignition, I was completely relaxed even in strong air; it felt like I’d been flying it for months rather than minutes. I can recommend it without reservation to pilots like myself who simply want to fly without stress and with minimum risk. Patent No. PM3645

Call cost $2.00 Telads. Higher from mobile and public phones.

Skysailor 45 write this report from Tumut Ifollow ­ing a great OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT weekend at the Southern NSW Fly-In. Nearly one have been added by the fact that he had planned mean average over the first three years to a level hundred pilots to stay only tow days at the tow comp. of 0.6% over the last three years. attended, and It is easy after the event to say that he should not When the accidents are occurring? Not sur­pris­ingly, most pilots have towed in the conditions. There are usually as over half of all serious injury accidents in both enjoyed some many reasons for flying, as for packing up – it hang gliding and paragliding occur on landing – good flying. never feels good packing up on the hill, or prior to with the remaining half of accidents close to I personally had two great days soaring over towing – sometimes it just has to be done. The equally divided between launch and in-flight (stalls, the Tumut valley after aerotow launch from accident also highlights the need to be able to collapses, etc.). Microlighting are close to equally the airport. From my per­spective the most abort a tow quickly should it not be progressing as divided between take-off, in-flight and landing successful part of planned. accidents. the weekend was the fact that not one When looking at the level of pilot skill of those accident occurred (though some might say Microlight Inspections involved in these accidents, the breakdown is as the barbecue at the Tumut Aero Club was the I apologise to microlight owners for the time it is follows: highlight). Another pleasing aspect of the taking to develop the five yearly inspection cri­te­ria. Hang glider pilots: Students 28% weekend was the camaraderie between We have just carried out the first few inspec­tions Restricted pilots 28% pilots of the and are currently refining the inspec­tion schedule. Intermediate pilots 17% various HGFA disciplines – the love We hope to be able to establish a format that will Advanced pilots 27% of flight certainly brings us together. enable the owner/operator to carry out the Paraglider pilots: Students 37% inspection. I hope to release the inspection material Restricted pilots 32% prior to the end of the year. Intermediate pilots 16% Aerotow Fatality Advanced pilots 15% Long time Canungra Club stalwart, Dr Nick Dillane, Paragliding Inspections Microlight pilots: Students 11% was killed when his glider dived into the ground Several paragliding distributors are now in a Qualified pilots 89% following a lockout at low level on the first day of position to provide paragliding inspections. Included the Dalby aerotow competition. Though all witness in these inspections are porosity tests, line strength These percentages have remained reason­ably and inspection reports are yet to be analysed, a tests and a thorough examination of lines and constant over the past six years, though the last preliminary report follows. attachment points. The fee attached to these few years have seen a reduction in training Nick was flying his relatively new CSX and was inspections is minimal given the time required to accidents. aerotow launching in a 15 knot wind. Following conduct the inspection and the cost of purchasing Determining accident causes is sometimes a sub­ launch he stayed too long on the uprights, began testing equipment. jective process. On looking at all reported accidents,­ to oscillate and apparently attempted to transfer to the most recurrent causes are as follows: the base bar. Whether he tried to transfer both HGFA Accident Statistics Hang gliding landing causes: hands at once or simply missed the base bar and The HGFA Accident database has been com­piled Incorrect flare technique 21% then lost the control frame entirely is uncertain, but using reported accidents from HGFA pilots over the Misjudged wind direction 4% the glider nosed up radically (to 75 or 80 degrees); past six financial years. There has been a marked Chose unsuitable landing area 18% a wing dropped; the glider entered a turning dive; drop in the number of reported accidents over the Overshot landing area 9% the weak link broke and Nick was unable to level last couple of years, though the number of Landed short of landing area 5% off prior to the glider impacting the ground at high accidents resulting in injury have come down only Stalled on downwind turn 7% speed – tailwind. Though medical help was quick slightly. Stalled on final approach 12% to arrive, Nick was not able to be revived. Over the 6 year period, the percentage of pilots Incorrect top landing technique 10% As with most accidents, a number of factors having accidents resulting in serious injury has Incorrect approach technique 12% accumulated to cause the accident. Nick had dropped (by serious injury I refer to an injury Other 2% considerable aerotow experience, having flown requiring doctor or hospital treatment, including Hang gliding launching causes: several flatlands comps in past years – however fatalities). The mean averages of serious injury Incorrect technique for site 46% he had not aerotow foot launched for some time accidents over the six year period are: hang gliding Incorrect technique for conditions 25% and had not towed this particular glider. Though he – 1.57%; paragliding – 2.68%; microlight­ing – Insufficient airspeed 7% had hill launched the glider and gained about 20 0.7%. These figures are based on reported Neglected launch while entering harness 6% hours since buying it, he was concerned and accidents vs HGFA certificate holders in the various Other 16% nervous about the aerotow. The weather was far disciplines. Hang gliding percentages have In-flight hang gliding causes: from ideal, with a gusty wind and considerable remained reasonably constant, around the 1.6% Mid-air 6% wind gradient prevailing. The wind gradient figure; though the percentage in the 97/98 Tumbled 8% necessitated a quick transfer to the base bar which financial year dropped to 0.9% (I suspect due more Stall 42% Nick was unable to achieve. Nick had an to a reduction in reporting rather than a reduction Flew into something 14% unpleasant experience towing another topless in actual accidents). The percentage of paraglider Failed to control glider 22% glider in the past which would have contributed to pilots involved in serious injury accidents has Other 8% his apprehension. Additional pressure to fly may improved markedly, from a mean average in the Hang gliding towing causes: first three years of 3.47% to an average over the Lockout on tow 48% last three years of 1.9%. Last year the percentage Incorrect launch 23% dropped to 1.3%. Microlighting has also seen a Incorrect release set-up 9% reduction in serious injury accidents, from a 0.85% Other 20% 46 Skysailor OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT

here for those who still don’t appreciate the ICOM Paragliding landing causes: Incorrect flare technique 30% seriousness of our sport. He wishes that this death Misjudged wind direction 6% not be in vain and that it helps us to always measure 40-S UHF Chose unsuitable landing area 13% the risk of all our actions, however trivial or The FREE battery inconsequential those acts may appear. Overshot landing area 2% offer is back !! Landed short of landing area 13% 2. In a 2nd accident on the very same day, a pilot launched unhooked in a Moyes CSX. He held on to Buy a new “FORTY S” ra- Stalled on final approach 11% dio, and we will include for Incorrect top landing technique 2% the uprights as the wing acceler­ated, then did a wingover and flew back into the mountain about No extra charge an ICOM Incorrect approach technique 23% emergency battery pack. Paragliding launching causes: 200 m below launch. The glider hit a tree and both objects were destroyed. The pilot suffered a It’s a superb radio, with a Incorrect technique for site 38% full 5 watts output, night light, Incorrect technique for conditions 46% compound leg fracture and stopped breathing for a while, but eventually regained consciousness and programmable scan, power saver Insufficient airspeed 4% function, key lock, ICOM sellcall and Other 12% was airlifted to hospital. The pilot, married and father of two children, is OK. “I witnessed a more, In-flight paragliding causes: 2 year factory guarantee. Mid-air 9% miracle!”, says the reporter. Canopy collapse 38% This report came in from South Africa: ONLY Stall 11% It saddens me to report a paragliding fatality at one Flew into something 11% of my favourite sites, Maniacs Mile near Cape $ 395 ! Failed to control glider 20% Town. The pilot drowned after a landing on a very Other 11% narrow part of the beach. After landing the pilot ALSO Paragliding towing causes: remained in the harness and was swept out to sea Lockout on tow 50% after a big set of waves came in. At this stage it ON SPECIAL .. Incorrect action after weak-link break 25% appeared that the pilot didn’t realise the extreme BUY AN ICOM Inexperienced tow system operator 25% danger of landing near water and didn’t attempt to 40GX FOR $495 get out of his harness. The pilot was a very low and get a desktop Microlight landing causes are equally divided airtime pilot who was not flying under supervision. fast charger between an incorrect approach technique and (WORTH $96) incorrect flare technique. There was one tumble and Recommendations FOR FREE !! two mast failures in-flight, where the launch causes • Pilots take cognisance of the extreme danger TOP OF THE were related to insufficient airspeed. related to water landings RANGE UHF AT A Though the recent reduction in reported accidents • Pilots should fly with hook knifes and quick GREAT PRICE !! is heartening, there appears to have been an release buckles on harnesses if flying increase in the number of very experienced pilots near water having serious accidents, not just in Australia, but • Instructors should impress on students the Garmin GPS’s ! around the world. danger of water especially in cases where training is done on seaside sites Australian guarantee (not a grey import) OS Accidents • Hook knifes, flotation gear and quick release weatherproof, full moving map display and Two recent accidents in Brazil warrant reporting. buckles are recommended more. Satellite navigation at the right Perhaps they contain a lesson you can appreciate. • Be aware of sea conditions (swell, tides) and price ! 1. It became too windy at the training hill for avoid sites/times when landings are restricted paragliding students to fly so one instructor took • Lastly, if you land in water or high winds, get out GARMIN 12 $ 355 advantage of the situation to soar a bit. The other of the harness, then assess the situation! Accurately check windspeed and temperature instructor, Jadson Luiz Taborda, took out a school before you take-off ! glider and began inflating it with one hand on the Aussie Accidents risers and one on the brakes. He wasn’t wearing a No. 1 WINDWATCH $ 159 harness or helmet and wasn’t intending on flying, Pilot: Restricted certificated obviously. In a couple of gusts he was lifted 2m up hang glider pilot Order by phone/fax, Cheque or COD OK. and then set back down. In the third gust, he was Experience: Approx 20 hours NEXT DAY* DELIVERY FROM $9.90 lifted up, and up, and up, and didn’t let go, Aircraft: Novice hang glider All prices quoted tax exempt. preferring to control the glider with the one hand on Pilot Injury: Nil the brakes. The glider reached 60m above take-off Aircraft Damage: Nil with him just holding onto the risers. The other Weather: Light wind ULTRALIGHT FLYING instructor saw what was happening and flew down Location: Inland tow site MACHINES to encour­age him to hang in there, but it was of no use. Unable to hold on any more, he fell to the ground. Description: BOX 182, N. BALWYN, VIC, 3104 The reporter would like us to understand that it’s The pilot was under instruction for a tow endorse­ clear the accident was caused by imprudence on ment and on his second ever tow. As the tow (03) 9431 – 2131 the part of the pilot, who placed himself in a progressed the swivel on the tow line failed and situation of unnecessary risk. There is a lesson the tow line began to “wind up” the bridle. 24 HR FAX (03) 9431-1869

Skysailor 47 SCHOOLS IN AUSTRALIA • HANG GLIDING • PARAGLIDING • MICROLIGHT • OPERATIONS MANAGER’S Description (written by the pilot): unaware of this. I don’t believe that I pulled the Wind conditions at take-off were not too strong, but brakes anywhere near full travel and I can’t image REPORT clouds were coming in rapidly. An instruc­tor on the that in normal circumstances the amount of brake hill warned that it would not be long before the I used would have stalled the glider. I have pumped continued wind came down and it would be too strong to out much smaller tucks before. It was the size of take off. Another paraglider pilot took off and had this one that panicked me and led me to respond Realising the situation, the pilot quickly used his difficulty penetrating. I waited about five minutes; instantly, without assessing the situation first. hook knife to cut the bridle. He landed without then the wind dropped a bit and I took off with no I don’t know what happened next or what I did. I further incident. trouble. The other pilot, some distance along the know I fell rapidly, twisting as I fell. Another thought ridge from me, was now losing height and went through my mind: these are my last moments, Comments: scratching, but I was going up, so there was clearly but strangely, I didn’t feel terrified. I didn’t think The pilot was criticised by another pilot for not a lot of variabil­ity in the air. I had been in the air for about using the reserve; I don’t know why; I think I continuing on the tow and cutting free once he had perhaps a minute and, according to onlookers, I was just too disoriented. Watchers below say the topped out. I strongly disagree, once any problem was 100-200ft above take-off height and perhaps paraglider stabilised and inflated moments before I becomes apparent it is essential to quickly get off 100m out from the hill. Suddenly I felt something hit the ground, about halfway down the hill. I was the tow rope – despite any incon­venience that may go slack and looked up to see a major tuck in what aware as the ground approached that the rate of result. Carriage of a hook knife is strongly I thought was the left side of the glider. Half the approach suddenly slowed and what went though recommended – for a such a situation as this. The glider had folded under. Watchers at the top my mind was – PLF. My body was moving back­ HGFA Towing Procedures Manual states: “Never noticed the wing fold under and back. What they wards down the hill when I hit – feet first. My back take a chance with tow­ing of any kind”, and, “If at observed however, was that the right side had hit the rocky ground and so did my head, with a any time the pilot in command is not happy with collapsed and that I was turning to the right. So thump. Thank God for the helmet. I must have the progress of the tow, he/she should stop the much for the reliability of observations in crisis fallen 4-500ft. I unbuckled and stood up as quickly tow immediately.” situations! I had no warning of this and had not as I could, realising as I did that I had hurt my encoun­tered turbulence to this point. Conditions lower back, but not seriously. No. 2 were overcast. What went through my mind was, Pilot: Intermediate paraglider pilot “Brake on the right side and pump out on the left”. It Comments: Experience: 51 hours seems this was the wrong way round, but I’m not Obviously recognising the problem and acting Aircraft: Intermediate paraglider sure it made much difference because I think I quickly and appropriately to get the canopy flying Pilot Injury: Bruising to back and buttocks tried to brake and pump simultaneously. Moreover again is essential when a collapse occurs – a lucky Aircraft Damage: Nil I reacted too vigorously because the outcome was escape. Weather: Moderate wind and turbulence a full stall with the paraglider falling behind me in Location: Inland hill launch that horrible squiggly shape. Observers tell me that Fly safely, the tuck came out before I stalled, but I was Craig Worth

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Hang Gliders NSW...... SA...... Wanted...... & Equipment QLD...... WA...... Stolen...... Paragliders VIC...... TAS...... Lost & Found..... Microlights ACT...... NT...... Other­ ......

Name:______Membership Number (for private ads only): ______Business name (commercial ads only):______Address:______City______State/Postcode______Phone______

Skysailor Classifieds MAIL: RMB 5362 Mawley Rd, Cobains VIC 3851 OR FAX: 03 51498326 (9am-5pm only!) OR EMAIL: [email protected] 48 Skysailor SCHOOLS IN AUSTRALIA • HANG GLIDING • PARAGLIDING • MICROLIGHT •

ACT/NSW New South Wales continued New South Wales continued Victoria continued AIR SUPPORT HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING BYRON AIRWAVES HANG GLIDING SCHOOL & FLIGHT PARK Hang Gliding School 1 1 /2 hours from Melbourne • Lessons & full instruction available. We offer a full range of services including: • 20 years hang gliding experience with Tarago Flight Park • Restricted Licence Courses training all year round. 21⁄ hours from Sydney • Introductory courses 2 • Learn to fly safely and accurately • Tandem instructional Flights • Introductory Courses with all skill levels catered for. • Towing Endorsements • Full License Courses Phone Brian and Anne on • Introduction to XC Flying & tours • Refresher Courses • Equipment Hire • Ground Towing Courses 066 290354, mobile 014 615950, • Aerotowing Courses As well as training, we also offer many ranges email: [email protected] We sell new and used gliders, • Cross Country Courses of gear, including custom made spare parts and accessories for: • Cross Country Tours Victoria AIR SUPPORT harnesses. Enquire for brochures • Moyes • Airborne and price lists for new or 2nd hand gear. The last weekend of each month is an open Wingsports • Aussie Born • Bräuniger towing weekend. All pilots are welcome and Call on 02 94502674, • Icom • Flytec 0412 273552 (8am-8pm). Flight Academy tow endorsements can be obtained. Thinking of updating? Agents for Moyes and Airborne • Paragliding courses Trade in your old glider with us. Demo gliders available • Hang gliding courses Rohan Holtkamp • Paramotor courses P/F 03 5349 2845 – M 014 678734 Call Tove on 02 4849 4516 or 015 269376. • Inland and coastal Canberra Hang Gliding and Paragliding Centre, • Tandem Flights South Australia [email protected] • Manilla has more flyable days per year than • Towing courses E-mail address is [email protected] anywhere else in Australia! (300+ in fact!) • Cross country courses ADELAIDE AIRSPORTS New South Wales • Mt Borah is one of the worlds most con­sis­tent • Equipment sales all year round sites with 4 large launch­es Located in stunning holiday destination, ,on the Sales, Service and Instruction catering for nearly every wind direction. Great Ocean Road, 2 hours from Melbourne’s • Hang Gliding • Paragliding license courses – a week of Westgate Bridge. • Tandem Hang Gliding quality tuition using the latest techniques & Learn to fly a paramotor over winter! • Sky Floating Located just 3.5 hours drive north of Sydney on equipment for only $850 (inc. accommodation). • Microlights Wingsports, 1 Evans Court, the Coast, offers training systems and flight sites • Thermalling and cross country courses all year Apollo Bay VIC 3233 Agents for Moyes, Airborne and Wills Wing. unique in Australia. We are able to teach all year Hans van Santen 03 5237 6486 round (honestly) in all wind directions, enabling • HG to PG conversion courses – it’s easier Larry Jones – Judy Manning than you think! Fiona Waddington 0419 378 616. Ph: (08) 85563030, Fax: (08) 85574113, effective use of time and advancements in your Mobile: 018 815094. instruction. • Importer of ADVANCE paragliders, FLYTEC Our Live courses are famous worldwide. instruments, HANWAG footwear and most THE RIGHT ALTITUDE Our guaranteed license course for both Hang accessories – we sell only the best quality “Microlights” gliding and Paragliding cost $1,390, Microlight European made equipment. License course from $2,500. • Mini Paraglider Kites also available – great Standing on a hill all day, 3 star Accommodation from as little as fun for everyone. waiting on the weather? $20 per night So come flying with Manilla Paragliding, Get a Trike. We have the largest range of trikes Check out our web site on www. where the person who shows you the in Australia and New and used aircraft­ in stock. highadventure.com.au mountain, owns the mountain! We sell everything for trikes. and email on [email protected] Phone Godfrey Wenness on: 02 6785 6545 or phone Lee Scott 02 6556 5265 Call Tony Dennis CFI Pilot Examiner (0418) or fax : 02 6785 6546 574068. Fax (03) 57626227. Benalla, Victoria. “The Mountain”, Manilla, NSW, 2346. Email: [email protected]

HGFA merchandise Available from the HGFA, PO Box 558, Tumut NSW 2720 Phone: 02 69472888 or Fax: 02 69474328

♦ $30 Polo shirt with embroidered HGFA logo ♦ $15 Beginning Coaching in navy, green & white (sizes 16 to 22) (Australian Sports Commission) ♦ $50 Rugby top with embroidered HGFA logo ♦ $20 Better Coaching in navy, green & grey (sizes 16 to 22) (Australian Sports Commission) ♦ $15 Cap with HGFA colour logo in red, blue ♦ $10 HGFA Operations Manual* black, navy or green ♦ $15 HGFA Operations Manual Binder* ♦ $1.50 HGFA Car sticker (no postage required) ♦ $5 HGFA Log Book* ♦ $30 HGFA Hang Gliding Training Video * Replacement Prices only – These items are ♦ $10 HGFA Competitions Manual issued free with initial Full Membership ♦ $45 1998 Hang Gliding Grand Prix Series video ♦ $3.00 Postage and Packing (Bulk orders sent C.O.D.) ♦ $5 HGFA Pilot Training Workbooks

Skysailor 49 Classifieds • Classifieds • Classifieds • Classifieds • Classifieds • Classifieds • Classifieds

DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE: Mission 170 int, recently serviced with new Queensland Victoria 1 January 1999 wires & baton. Excel. beginner glider, $930 ono. Ph: 02 94603409 or 0409 121123. Combat 152 adv, spare DT, GC, $400. Ph: Aussie Skins pod harness, suit 58-6, EC, Private classifieds are free to 07 55464104. $400. Also: Stanwell Soaring Centre pod, suit Shark 132 adv, blue/pink (front cover Skysailor members if the member­ship 58-6, GC, $100; reserve parachute, EC, $400. 97), approx. 100 hrs, new wires, very good sail, Desire 141 adv, white TS, dk green LE, blue/ number is quoted. Commercial Ph: Trent 03 97546622 or 018 392333. flies beautifully, $2,000 ono. Also: Skyline white US with crocodiles yellow US, this glider rates of $2 per line apply to non-members harness, black/grey, slider, size approx. 6’, 18 has low hrs & is in EC, $1,100. Ph: Neil 0411 Blade 132 adv, white with yellow US, 60 hrs and commercial advertisers. For more details, mths old, $650 or reasonable offer. Ph: Tish 02 630355. airtime, EC with extra DT, perfect int/adv glider. refer to Classifieds order form. 49278867 (h) or 1800 653935 (w). This glider has been loved, $2,000. Ph: Carol Exxtacy 160 adv, in new cond., yellow & white, 0417 311360.  HANG GLIDERS AND EQUIPMENT Shark 156 adv, white with blue stripe US, superb glider for the pilot looking for extra perf. beautiful glider, low airtime, sell $3,600 or & ease of flying, $10,500 or will trade up or Danny Scott Stealth harness, brand new, swap for Shark 144 similar cond. Ph: David down for trike, motorcycle, car or suggestions never used, blue/black, suit pilot 167-173cm, New South Wales 0417 794441. of equivalent value. Ph: Jerry 07 55711576 or $900. Also: Second Chantz A.I.R. deployed 2 tandem hang gliders V2 adv, professionals 018 7569949. recovery system with Quantum 330 parachute, Stealth harness by Danny Scott, suit pilot 5’9- choice, fully maintained using Pacific Airwave mint cond., $2,000.Ph: Gary 03 95609820. 6’, high energy parachute, recently Foil Combat 152 C adv, flared, front entry parts, GC, $1,500 & $2,000. Also: Buzz 154 professionally re-packed, new cond., $1,000 harness, suit 175-182cm, Moyes pod har­ness, Desire 151 adv, Nov 94, Kevlar TE & LE, white nov, well maintained & in GC, $1,200; ono. Lazer full-face helmet, used once, with suit 165-178cm, reserve parachute, Bräuniger TS, blue/lime/white US, 40 hrs, crispy sail, new Renschler solar vario “solaro”, similar to World mike & speaker, $160. Ph: 02 42342081. Basis-SP vario, hook knife, aerotow release bag, $1,400. Also: Moyes large blue pod, suit Champ Guido’s, fits on side of helmet, better cable, 19cm wheels, video, map holder, etc. Ph: 6’ & 90kg, $280. Ph: Steve 03 98733473. than an excellent back up, $220. Ph: 02 Sting 118 nov, 20 hrs airtime, needs a good James 07 32552505 or [email protected] 42949999. home, ideal for weight range 45-60kg, $1,150 Moyes harness, brand new, black with fl. ono. Ph: 02 44460302. Glider car rack, professionally made front yellow pockets, $650. Ph: 03 94393571 or 018 Blade Race 153 adv, EC apart from a LE scar glider support for Ford Falcon, base fits to 372546. courtesy of the Corryong eagle, approx. 120 Sting 154 int, only 8hrs flying time, perfect Falcon roobar connection points, top can be hrs, new side wires recently fitted, needs to go cond., great learner-intermediate glider, will Uvex full-face helmet, size L, lightweight, fitted in seconds & secured with just one clip, as I’m having a Shark attack, $2,200 Ph: David travel, $2,600. Ph: Pete 02 63373733 (w), 02 German made, c/w built-in Icom radio head­set, fits 3+ gliders, very strong & near new, incl. 02 99355587 (w), 63319626 (h). EC, only $175. Ph: 03 94358934 (h), 03 hardware $120. Ph: Johannes Luthy 07 02 94562521 (h), email: [email protected] 94903158 (w). Sting 154 nov, 60 hrs, VGC, mylar LE, new luff 38071494. Buzz 154 nov, well maintained, flies straight, lines, speed bar, no flutters, $2,400. XS 155 adv, EC, batten profile, manual, new Gliders: XT Pro 145 int, 2 x Mission 170 int, 3 x good first glider, cheap, $1,000. top rigging, best offer. Ph: 03 52554445. Sting 154 “X” nov, brand new, test flown only, Buzz 154 nov, X2 Tandem, XL 145 int, 2 x Mars CSX 3 adv, 4 mths old, 5 hrs airtime, dk blue mylar LE, speed bar, faired DTs, unwanted 170 nov, Mars 190 nov; Harnesses: Xact, 4 x XT 145 int, speedbar, scrim, 40 hrs, EC, with fl. pink US, full Mylar hologram LE, mint prize, $3,500. Twister, 3 x Pods; Extras: QS550 Parachute, 3 x $2,750. Also: XT 165 Pro int, VGC, $2,000; cond., $7,000. Ph: Greg 0412 000797 (Byron IC40 radios and much more... Ph: Sue 07 Moyes Flex harness, as new, suit 5’6 pilot, Sting 166 int, 150hr, still flies well, speed bar, Bay). 55462079. $580; front entry harness, GC, suit 5’10 pilot, dk blue LE, pink/blue US, new wing wires, $250; Aircotec Piccolo vario, $450; Bräuniger CSX 4 adv, awesome wing, $5,200 ono.Ph: 02 $1,200. Ph: Ben 02 49772516. HG reserve parachute, 20 panel, 4.8 Ø, never Basis vario, $350; 2 parachutes, never opened, 48494516. used, repacked once, almost new. Ph: 07 Tandem Fly 2, 1994, white/lt blue, grey LE, GC, $450 each; full-face helmet with headset, as 32000882. Desire 151 adv, 160 hrs, sky blue & white US, flies sweetly, $2,000. Ph: 02 65597716. new, $150; Icom 40GX with headset, $450; 2 white TS, tip fairings, spare DT, manual, Moyes Mega 3 170 adv, GC, green & gold, suit Wingtech tow bridles, $20 each; 2 x 300mm Tandem Moyes X2 210, dbl surface with VG, $1,600. Also: Rola roof racks with high legs to learner or school, $200. Also: XS 155 adv, PVC tubes, $200 each. Ph: Rebecca 03 only 20 hrs use, EC, absolute bargain, $2,800. fit Subaru DL wagon, half new price, $150. Ph: kingpost hang, GC, blue, yellow & orange L, 94590814 or Tim 03 98574302 (h) 0417 Stainless wheels & keel extension for 02 48682869 after 4pm weekdays. new bag, flies straight and nice handling, $600. 104517 (w). aerotowing, $400. Harnesses: Skyline, new, Ph: 07 544461722. Desire 151 adv, very GC, white/green US, 115 suit med. 5’11, worth $1,400 sell $850. XT 165 int, 10 hrs airtime, Moyes pod, Edel hrs, new wires, $1,500 ono; Danny Scott Moyes Xtreme, suit med. 5’11, $800. Moyes Sting 166 int, rainbow sail, VGC, $1,600. Ph: reserve parachute, altimeter & vario plus Aussie Skins harness, suit 5’10-6’4, EC, $400 pod, med., $200. Apco full-face helmet, S/M, Tony 07 33983241 (Brisbane). spares, all EC. $3,500 ono. Ph: 03 98490256 (h). ono, Laser helmet (XL new) with mike $180, new, $130. Ph: Jason Turner 02 49636681 or SX4 adv, power rib, EC, can freight anywhere XT 165 int, near brand new, in perf. cond., only High energy chute $250, Bräuniger alto/vario 0419 997196. in Australia, $3,700. Ph: Mike 8 hrs, great colours with Scrim LE, incl. wheels, Basis & ASI SP $350, Icom 40GX $300, will sell Wills Wing HP-AT 158 adv, high perf. hang 07 33503409. Moyes Flex harness with reserve parachute, separately or as one parcel. Ph: Chris 02 glider, built 94, EC, never crashed, white sail, full-face helmet & Flytec 4010 vario with 66882213. Tandem Pacific Airwave Double pink LE, great glider, must sell, $1,250 ono. Ph: adaptor, cost over $5,700, sell $4,275. Ph: 03 Vision 215, EC, $3,400. Ph: 07 49287858 (h), Gyro I 160 nov, GC, easy flying, suit up to 70kg, Mike 02 99992696 (w). 96453681 (h), 03 92523335 (w), email: dj@ 07 49278911 (w). cheap, $300. connect.net.au. XS 142 adv, (XS2), 94, GC, nice colours, $1,000 XS2 adv, flies well, $500; cocoon harness & Gyro II 160 nov, LE magenta, yellow, white, EC, ono. Ph: 02 65597162. XT 165 int, near brand new in perf. cond., only chute, $300; Ball 651 vario/alt., $200; 2 Icom make an offer. Ph: 02 64934277. 8 hrs airtime! Great colours with Scrim LE, incl. XT 165 int, blue LE, yellow & white US, as new, IC40G UHF radios, $200 each – $1,200 the lot. wheels, Moyes Flex harness (med build), Gyro 180 nov, low airtime, new mylar inserts, $1,200 ono. Also: Moyes pod harness, blue, Ph: Brian Hampson 07 49260125. reserve parachute, full-face helmet and Flytec sail in perf. cond., well maintained, beaut flyer, $300 ono. Ph: 02 93593797. XT 165 int, EC,low hrs, good looking & 4010 vario with adaptor, cost over $5,700, sell suit beginner or fun coastal pilot, $900 ono. Ph/ Xtralite 137 adv, brand new sail & side wires, colourful glider, $2,400 ono. Also: XS-E (same $4,275. Ph: 03 96453681 (h), 03 92523335 fax: 02 42943004. dk purple front & lt purple rear US, low hrs, as XC), int, pod harness & radio, all in EC, (w), email: [email protected] Harness, front entry, chute pocket, suit 5’5-5’9, exceptional cond., spare DT, UV and waterproof $1,700. Father & son leaving sport. Ph: 07 Xtralite 137 adv, flies very nicely, have a test new cond., $200. Ph: Paul 02 99138707 or bag, recent factory service, $3,200 ono, would 41254626 or 015 628200. fly in Bright or Mt Beauty, bargain price $1,500 0411 145742. consider swapping for similar cond. Shark 144. Xtralite 147 adv, Mylar, white/clear LE, purple/ ono. Ph: Dermot 03 57544910 or email: Ph: 02 98640950 Max 157 int, VGC, 44 hrs, one owner, manual, yellow US, 90 hrs, EC, handles great, $2,500. [email protected] or 014 979490. batten profile, bargain at $3,500 ono, first to Ph: Dave 0411 333221. Xtralite 147 adv, Power Rib blue LE, blue/ see will buy. Ph: Kerry 0414 475803. XT 165 Pro int, excel. colours, orange LE, mauve US, 130 hrs, excel. perf. & handling, Max 157 int, EC, as new, 9 hrs, white TS, green/purple US, top cond., has 2nd glider bag, well cared for, in GC, c/w owner’s manual & yellow/purple US, holographic LE, UV Bag, $2,200. EW Rage 157 int, new cond., magenta batten profile, $2,000; Flytec 3005 vario, $450, batten profile. Moyes Flex harness, purple, only LE, fl. yellow US, low hrs $2,400, Sting 154 int, pod harness, L, $100. Ph: Glenn used once. Moyes full-face helmet, used 4 hrs. VGC, grey mylar LE, fl. yellow US, c/w 2nd 03 98761312 or 0411 814420. Owner going OS, $4,500 ono. Ph:02 glider bag, $2,000. Ph: 07 55435631 or 0418 96549223. 188655. 50 Skysailor Classifieds • Classifieds • Classifieds • Classifieds • Classifieds • Classifieds • Classifieds

ACT Paratech P21 NCIS, incl. harness, approx. Nova Phoenix 28 DHV2, EC, only 50 hrs Queensland 5 hrs airtime, like new, $1,700. Ph: 02 airtime, suit restr/int pilot weighting 70-95kg, CSX 4 adv, must sell so owner can purchase 98733375 or 0413 996637. $1,700 ono. Ph: 0417 819770, email: Edge Executive 582 T2-2655, 185 hrs, electr. new wing. Ph: 015 485732. [email protected] Paratech P50 27m2 DHV2/12A, start, full instr., GPS, Icom A22 radio, inter­com, Gyro 145 nov, blue/white/pink, EC, less than 12 easy to launch & fly int glider with Pro Design Contest 26 NCIS, great performing 2 helmets, training bars, pod covers, saddle hrs airtime, make an offer. Ph: Susan Martin 02 V-rib design. Responds well with wing, suit pilot weight range 75-95kg all up, bags, trailer, fully maintained, always hangared, 62415544 (w) or 02 62369000 (h). c/w speed system, manual & rucksack, only 40 EC, $16,500. Ph: 07 49783490. light brake pressures. Suit 65-90kg genuine hrs, EC, $1,800. Ph: 03 94358934 (h), Mission 170 int, dk blue & white, GC, 120 hrs Rotax single radiator, GC, $250 incl. freight. pilot (80-104kg all up). 03 94903158 (w). TT, last 60 with me, lots of TLC, incl. wheels, Ph: 07 54450084. In excellent condition with only manual, batten profile, spare DTs & basebar, Paratech P41 XL DHV1-2, nov/int, 85-130kg fun, friendly forgiving first glider, $850. Can try 30-35hrs. Selling because I need a weight range, 40 hrs, EC, $2,500. Ph: Joe 03 Victoria at Bright, ACT or Stanwell. Ph: John 02 larger glider. Bargain at $1,600. Ph: 93354685 (w), 03 97552046 (h). Conrod bearing testers, incl. dial gauge, plug 62816830 or 0412 159472. adaptor, syringe pump & tubing, $145; Rotax Tilo 03 59622272. Skyline PG harness, EC, black/pink, $280. exhaust muffler, EC, $100; 582 crank­shaft, GC, Also: Beginner apron PG harness, EC, black/ Tasmania Sensor M DHV2, Perché custom sail, EC, 28hr, measures 0.65, still within tolerance, $150. Ph: grey, $150 & PG reserve, around 20m2, brand XT 165 int, as new, fl. green/blue/white, Scrim, $2,300 ono, Ph: Ole 0265597762. John 03 98776047 (w), 03 98022682 (h). new, $450. Ph: Carol 0417 311360. speed bar, $2,700. Parachute $500. Flytec Vertex NCIS, only 100 hrs, c/w set of standard Pegasus Q 462 T2-2707, TT 250 hrs, ASI, EGT, 3005 vario, EC, $450. GME TX475S 40C UHF, lines, retail $4,790, my price $2,700, this glider  TRIKES tacho, water temp, hr meter, compass, Ivo head set, charger,$280. Ph: 03 63315428. is in great cond. & has excel. perf. Test fly now! Please note: All powered hang gliders (trikes) prop, VHF radio & remote aerial, Comunica I’ll be in Corryong & Canberra quite a lot, so offered for sale helmets & headsets, PTT, com box, freezer South Australia give me a call if you would like to arrange a fly. must state their registration number, other­ suits & trailer, fully maintained, logged, fault­less Aero 145 nov, pink LE with blue & white US, Ph: Peter Bowyer 02 62359014. wise they cannot be accepted for publication. history, always hangared, in excel. flying cond., low hrs, VGC, $1,800 ono; harness & other $15,000. Ph: Peter 03 58265204. extras available. Ph: Matthew 08 93453027. Queensland New South Wales Pegasus Q 462 T2-2916,100 hrs TT, full instr., Nova Xyon DHV 2-3, 50 hrs, 85-105kg, GC, Edge Executive 582 T2-2744, electr. start, full Western Australia trike cover, new prop, $10,900. Ph: Brett finance available: Pay $1,000 now and $500 instr., compass, quiet kit, 3-blade Ivo prop, GC Moyes Xtreme harness, as new, suit slim/med 03 95281755 (w), 03 95962298 (h). after 3 months. Ph: Jorg 07 55752096. throughout, $14,500. Pegasus XL 462 high 5’8, worth $1,200, first caller $800. Ph: 08 power T2-2720, original perf. cond. & has only Pegasus Quantum T2-2754, reliable 503 DCDI 93623515. Pro Design Pro Feel 35 SHV int, 85-105kg, 130 hrs, very stable nice canopy in GC, gift at flown 9 hrs, indistinguishable from brand new, engine, electr. start, 4 blade Brolga prop, 110 Moyes X2 210 Tandem glider, 3 yrs old, used $1,800. Ph/fax: Ivan 07 55798975, mob 0412 $16,000 (saving you $6,000). Ph: 02 hrs TT, instr: CHT, EGT, VSI, Alt, airspeed, digital privately, EC, dk blue LE, white MS, with pod 446683, email: [email protected] 42941031. tacho, compass, voltmeter, dual battery (lead harness, helmet & 12” wheels, ideal as ‘fat acid + gel cell), wing: white with red/grey US, Edge Executive 582 T2-2838, red, w/c, electr. boy’s’ int glider, 2 spare DTs, $1,900 or will c/w training bars, Comunica helmets & Victoria start, 90 hrs, Edge wing, last Executive made separate. Owner going o/seas. Ph: Ken 08 intercom, new lightweight trailer with 2 jerry Edel Quantum S NCIS, 55-75kg, lilac/yellow, before Edge X, has a combination of the best of 93394643 in WA or 02 49424637 in cans (tows great), perf. cond., offers around 20 hrs, EC, c/w Edel harness, $2,900. Also: 6 both models, full instr., water­proof seating, Newcastle, NSW, over Xmas. $19,800 considered. Why buy new? Ph: Scott mth old reserve, will sell separately, $500. after silencer, intake silencer, stone net, incl. full 03 95429741 (w), 03 98863789 (h). XT Pro 145 int, EC, wheels, aero DT & king Other gear also available. Ph: Andrew 03 set of Airborne covers & custom trailer, post, Moyes Xtreme pod, 7 hrs, $2,300. Ph: 95604760. $21,000 ono for quick sale. Ph: Jeff or Julie 02 Other Simon 08 93391016 or Steve 08 92773879. 43291545. Edel Quantum M Acpul stand, mist green/ Holden panel van 1976, roof racks, HG car, gold, 2 hrs, EC, $3,000. Ph: 0419 378616. Edge Executive 582 T2-2675, 95 hrs, electr. rego 12/98, rusty but runs well, perf. for o/s  PARAGLIDERS start, full instr., quiet kit, custom colours and pilots in Oz for summer, can sleep in, $500 Please note: All paragliders offered for sale Falhawk Atoll NCIS, full harness, EC, $2,200. covers, Icom radio, Comunica helmets, ono. Ph: Tish 02 49278867 (h), 1800 653935 (w). must state their Ph: 03 95794676. headsets & intercom, flying suit, everything you DHV or Acpul certification standard, Firebird Navajo 28 10A1B1C, very low hrs, EC, need to fly. Ph: 0416 033301. Wanted otherwise they will be labelled with ‘No adv glider, ideal for powered PG, purple/white, Edge or Executive 582, will also consider trike Certification Infor­mation Supplied (NCIS)’. Edge wing T2-2547, EC, $3,500. Ph: Richard best offer. Also: Firebird Sitting Bull harness, for restoration project. Ph: 02 94603409 or 02 65505789. very comfortable, incl. Kevlar backplate with 0409 121123. New South Wales crumple zone, $500 & Firebird RS2 reserve, Edge X T2-2845, full instr., pod & soft sides, Airwave Harmony 24 Acpul stand, pilot weight Foil 160 B airframe for spare parts. Ph: Moyes never used, $500. Also: Swing Minoa 28 Wizard wing, Icom radio, headset intercom, range 45-65kg, like new cond., well looked Factory 02 93164644. DHV3, white, speed system & trimmers, GC, trailer, all new, only 30 hrs, $19,500. Ph: Gary after, needs smaller wing, 80 hrs, $2,500. Ph: adv canopy, 53km/h top speed, no porosity or 02 49981502. SX 5, must be in EC. Ph: Mike 07 33503409. 02 66876907. tears, $1,800. Ph: Suzy or Richard 03 Quantum 462 trike T2-2766, A1 cond., high Airwave Samba 26 Acpul int, GC, trim tabs, 51498326. Subscriptions power Rotax 462, comms & helmets, $15,995, speed system, $1,800. Ph: Jason Turner 02 Cross Country Magazine subscriptions hang, Flying Planet Mengo Acpul perf, only 12 hrs, will sell without engine. Ph: Don Woodward 49636681 or 0419 997196. para and micro flying videos. weight range 95-120kg all up, excel. perf. & 0417 696461 (mob), 02 60363042 Contact Carol Binder 0417 311360. Comet 26 NCIS, suit pilot 65-85kg, Apco cond. Michel Le Blanc’s best design to date! (messagebank or fax/ph).Wizard wing, only 60 Secura harness, speed bar, airbag, hardly used, Only selling ‘cos it’s time for my annual update. hrs airtime, blue LE & yellow US, will sell for Other Products Uvex helmet, M, never used, urgent sale, the $2,900. Ph: Elgar 02 62551851, email: $5,000 ono. Ph: Lee Scott 02 65565265. lot $600. Ph: 02 66858841. [email protected] Wooden Propellers manufactured Nova Phocus NCIS, 15-20 hrs, 90kg min, Motorised PG, as new, 5 hrs TT, no accidents custom designed for optimum purple/green, good looker, immac. cond., or dings, genuine sale, will not separate or sell priced to sell, $2,500. Ph: Jason 02 99720979. to non-HGFA; DK Whisper GT engine 198cc, performance & quiet operation. air-cooled, 2 cycle, one cylinder, output 18hp @ Contact Michael Ellinas, Nova Vertex 26 DHV2/3, all up weight 6,000rpm, thrust 125+lbs @ 6,240, electr. HELIPTERA, 85-105kg, 43 hrs, JDC porosity average 377 start, 3-bladed carbon fibre prop, Deluxe Ph: (03) 9363 8085 VIC secs, EC, complete with new standard lines. harness; DK Hathor Humming XL Glider, 28 For the advanced who wants that extra top end cell, 11.2M wingspan, take-off weight 137- with DHV 2-3 safety, $3,000 ono. Ph: Rob 225lbs up to 275lbs with motor. Ph: Steve Schroettner 02 42674499, email: mnewland@ Bowtell 03 94399860, email: bowtells@aol. ozemail.com.au com

Skysailor 51 Victorian Hang Gliding & Paragliding Stanwell Park Hang Gliding Club VICTORIA DIRECTORY Association PO Box 400, Prahran VIC 3181; Pres: Rob de Groot 02 42942173, fax 02 Dynasoarers Hang Gliding Club Pres: Phillip Campbell 03 53343034; Sec: 42943788, [email protected] ; Pres: Peter Hannah 03 52632335; Sec: Nicole Matthews 03 57501884, 018 450626, Trs: Karen Lederer 02 42942273, 0411 Tony Hughes 03 52612415; Trs: Rod 03 All correspondence, including email: [email protected], 362273. 52811209; SSO: Ted Remeika 015 841107; changes of address, member­ship SSO: Jeremy Torr 03 97705770. Sydney Hang Gliding Club Rob van der Klooster 03 52223019, hrt@ renewals, short term ACT Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association Pres: Dick Heffer 02 93872613; Sec: John deakin.edu.au; PR Warwick Spratt ­member­ships, rating forms and other PO Box 3496, Manuka ACT 2603; Pres: Michael Trude 02 98873371; Trs: Greg Wilkinson 03 52531096. Meetings: 1st Fri/month, administrative matters should be sent to: Porter 0415 920444; Sec: John Wilson 0419 02 98184704. Meetings: 2nd Mon/month, Bay View Hotel, 2 Mercer St, Geelong. Hang Gliding Federation of Australia 600636; Trs: Craig Hopkins 02 62862488 (h), Moyes Factory Loft. Eastern Hang Gliding Club SSO: Peter Dall. Meetings: 1st Tue/month Sydney Paragliding Club Pres: Geoff Tozer 03 97583250 (h); Sec: Executive Director: Ian Jarman 7:30pm, “Sky Lounge” Yamba Sports Club, Pres: Rob Fakes 02 42942273 (h); Sec: Duncan Andrew Medew 03 98227861, 16/25-29 Administration: Margaret Steinhardt Phillip. Cross, 48 Cormiston Ave, Concord NSW 2137, 02 Brougham St. Box Hill VIC 3128; SSO: PO Box 558, Tumut NSW 2720, Tasmanian Hang Gliding Association 97435128; Trs: Dave Worthington 02 9665 Harry Summons 03 59646055 (h), Lance ph: 02 69472888, fax: 02 69474328, PO Box 163, South Hobart TAS 7004; 1465; SSO: Mark Mitsos 02 42949065. Sheppard 03 59623570 (h), M/ship: Mark email: [email protected] Pres: Brett Tooker 03 62316367; Sec/Trs: Hugh Meetings: 1st Mon/month, St George Leagues Jeffree 03 59689015 (h). Meetings: 3rd Wed/ President: Rohan Grant Glenn; State Co-ord: Mick Calvert. Club, Kogarah. mth, Montrose Town Centre Meeting Room, 188 Bathurst St, Hobart TAS 7000, ph: 03 6233 Cnr Swansea Rd & Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, South Australian Hang Gliding Association University of NSW Hang Gliding Club 7638 (w), 03 62311112 (h), 0419 344011, fax: Montrose. 1 Sturt St, Adelaide SA 5000; ph: 08 84101391, Pres: Daniel Faber 02 93150727, email: 03 62333311, email: [email protected]. fax: 08 82117115. Pres: Stuart McClure 08 [email protected]; North East Victoria Hang Gliding Club Inc au 82973452; Sec: Mark Tyminski 08 83766117; Sec: Jon Ingles 02 93150571, email: jingles@ Pres: Jeanette McLaren 03 57544910; Treasurer: Robert Woodward Trs: Gary Stockton 08 82702910. kensocoll.unsw.edu.au; www page: Trs: Bill Graham 03 57501828; SSO: Geoff PO Box 6260, Adelaide SA 5000, ph: 08 8232 www.vision.net.au/~gbeng/Hang_Gliding.html White 03 57501244. Meetings: 1st Thu/ month Hang Gliding Association of Western Australia 5405 (w), 08 82977532 (h), fax: 08 82237345, 7.30pm, Pinewood­ Hotel, Bright. PO Box 82, South Perth WA 6151; Admin: QUEENSLAND email: [email protected] www.home.aone.net.au/gilbert/nevhc.htm Graeme Wishart 08 94449505; PG Rep: Julian Cairns Hang Gliding Club Secretary: Tim Cummings McPherson 08 93881584 & David Humphrey Pres: Brod Osborne 07 40534686 (h), 07 4051 Sky High Paragliding Club 252 Kidston St, Canungra QLD 4275, ph: 07 0418 954176; HG Rep: Michael Derry 08 5555 (w); Vice-Pres: Ian Graham 07 40954466; Pres: Adam Nienkemper 03 94811122 (w), 03 55435093 (h), 0418 778422, fax: 07 92840750 (h) & Keith Lush 08 93673479 (h), Sec: Lance Keough 07 40912117, 31 Holm 93057442 (h); Vice-Pres: Phil Savory 55434493, email: [email protected] 08 93679066 (w); Trike Rep: Graham McDonald Street, Atherton QLD 4883; Trs: Kasanda 03 959772537 (h); Sec: Jeremy Torr Brease 07 40532586 (h), 07 40512438 (w). 03 97702775 (h), 03 97705770 (w). Vice-President: Keith Lush 08 93649226 (h), 0418 910841; Trs: Phil Meetings: 1st Wed/month 8pm, Retreat Hotel, 5 Fortune St, Sth Perth WA 6151, ph: Wainwright 08 92424483. Canungra Hang Gliding Club Inc 226 Nicholson St, Abbotsford. 08 93679066 (w), 08 93673479 (h), fax: Pres: Shuana Purser 07 66793404; Vice-Pres: 08 94741202, email: [email protected] Clubs Andrew Horchner 07 33661787, Southern Club NEW SOUTH WALES 0412 807516, [email protected]; Sec: Contact: John Reynoldson 03 95970527. Board Members: Blue Mountains Hang Gliding Club Inc Richard Glassock 07 55450643, richardg@ Meetings: 1st Tue/month, Middle Park Hotel, Rohan Holtkamp Pres: Richard Lockhart 02 94040073, 0418 qldnet.com.au, PO Box 41 Canungra 4275; Trs: Canterbury Rd. RMB 236B Western Hwy, Trawalla 130354, email: [email protected]; Sec: Fran Ning 07 55773260, ning@ausinfo. com. Southern Cross Paragliding Inc VIC 3373, ph/fax: 03 53492845, 014 678734, Alan Bond 02 98995351, 9 Finchley Pl, Glen­ au; SSO: Glen McLeod (HG) 07 55435716, Pres: Gary Clarkson 0419 319948; Vice- email: [email protected] haven NSW 2353; Trs: Dolores Sempreboni, John Botting (PG) 07 33002049. Pres: Alister Johnson 0418 323692; Sec: Michael Zupanc (CIVL Delegate) SSO: David Middleton 02 96236961; News­ Capricorn Skyriders Club Inc Nicole Matthews 03 57501884, 018 450626, 3 Surch Court, Southport QLD 4215, ph: letter: Glen Tomlinson, ph: 02 95468028, email: Pres: Brian Hampson 079 226527; email: [email protected] Meetings: 07 55325895 (h), 018 662328; email: zupy@ [email protected] Meetings: Last Sec: Geoff Craig 079 923137; Last Wed/month. Tue/month 7:30pm, Sports­man Hotel, Kildare ozemail.com.au Brian Smith 079 287958. Southern Trike Club Rd, Blacktown. Peta Roberts Conondale XC Flyers Club Inc Pres: Mark Howard 03 97511480, 0418 PO Box 256, Helensburgh NSW 2508, ph/fax: 02 Byron Bay Hang Gliding Club Inc 13 Cottman St, Buderim QLD 4556; 533731, fax: 03 97511584; Vice-Pres: Dave 42943941, 0412 009952, email: epicon@ Pres: Brian Rushton 02 66290354; Sec: Peter Pres: Bruce Crerar 07 54451897; Vice- Wentworth; Sec: Ben De Jong; Trs: John Amor. ozemail.com.au Aitken 015 257699; SSO: Brian Rushton 02 Pres: Shane Gingell 07 32851668; Sec: Meetings: 2nd Tue/month 8pm, Jakes 66290354, 014 615950. Meetings: 1st Wed/ Mark Savage 07 54416423; Trs: Annie Crerar Nightclub, 23 Church St, Brighton. Steve Ruffels month 7pm, Bangalow Bowling Club. 07 54451897; SSO: John Blain Bright VIC 3781, ph: 018 570168, fax: 03 Western Victorian Hang GIiding Club 07 54948779; Visiting pilot contact: 57501174, email: [email protected] Kosciusko Alpine Paragliding Club Pres: Phillip Campbell 03 53343034; Pres: Roger Lilford 06 2815404 (h); Sec: Lisa Graham Sutherland 07 54935882. Vice-Pres: Tony Lowry 03 53356194; Michael Eggleton Ryrie 06 2359120, 06 2359060; SSO: Heinz Gladstone Hang Gliding Club Inc. Trs: Sandra Holtkamp 03 53492845; 27 Knightsbridge Ave, Belrose NSW 2085, ph: Gloor 02 64576019 (w), 02 64567171 (h). 25 Amelia St, Gladstone QLD 4680; Sec: Meg Bailey 03 53356194; SSO: Rohan 02 99754114. Manilla SkySailors Club Inc Pres: Colan McGree 0413 941134; Sec/Trs: Holtkamp 03 53492845. Meetings: Last Sat/ Operations Manager: Craig Worth http://gri.une. edu.au/mss Natasha Atkinson 07 49726840; PR: Brian month, The Golden Age Hotel Beaufort. (Safety & Operations Committee, Pilot Pres: Brian Shepherd 02 67852182; Duffy 07 49922676; SSO: Geoff Craig 07 WESTERN AUSTRALIA Development & Training Committee) Sec/Trs: Felix Burkhard 02 67751050, mailto:// 49923137, Paul Barry 07 49922865, rbarry@ PO Box 71, Hallidays Point NSW 2430, Ph/fax: Avon Valley Hang GIiding Club [email protected]; SSO (HG): Patrick Lenders tpgi.com.au Pres: David Drabble, 08 93071816, wescoast 02 65592713, 0418 657419, email: hgfaops@ 02 67783484; SSO (PG): Godfrey Wenness 02 Sunshine Coast Hang Gliding Club @iinet.net.au; Vice-Pres: Rob Stevenson 08 midcoast.com.au 67856545. 53 Yungar St, Coolum QLD 4573; Pres: Geoff 92211338; Sec: Stephen Hoeffs 08 95275782; Microlight Public Relations: Paul Haines Mid North Coast Hang Gliding Association Pettigrove 018 061595; Vice-Pres: Mal Price 07 Trs: Michael Derry 08 92840750. Ph/fax: 02 42941031. 54480038; Sec/Trs: Cathy Edmunds 07 Pres: Lee Scott 02 65565265; SSO: Dale Davis Cloudbase Paragliding Club Inc For information about site ratings, sites and 02 65597716. 54463037; SSO: Dave Cookman 07 54498573. Pres: David Humphry 08 95745440; Sec: other local matters, contact the appropriate Newcastle Hang Gliding Club Townsville Hang Gliding Association Inc Julian McPherson 08 92279266. Meetings: 1st state associations region or club. Pres: Tascha McLellan 02 49278867 (h), 1800 Pres: Gary Rogers 077 538565 (w), Wed/ mth, 8pm at the Windsor Hotel, Sth Perth. 653935 (w), email: tascha.conrad@hunterlink. 077 79264511 (h); Vice-Pres: Peter Scarfe 077 States & Regions Geralton & Midwest Hang Gliding Club net.au; V-Pres: Jason Turner 02 49408665 (h), 721766 (w), 077 212666 (h); Sec/Trs: Brad Pres: Des Hill 08 99216219; 231 Third Street, North Queensland Hang Gliding Association 015 636384; Sec: Karl Kindl 02 49677711; Cooper 077 792853 (h), fax 077 815230; Geralton WA 6530. 12 Van Eldik Ave, Andergrove QLD 4740; Pres: Trs: Tony O’Connor 02 49529146, SSO: Coastal SSO: Graeme Etherton 077 724467. Gerry Gerus 0412617935 (w), – Jason Turner 02 49408665 (h), South West Microlight Club Whitsundays Hang Gliding Club Pres: Brian Watts 0412 552363; Vice-Pres: 07 40577473 (h), email: [email protected] 015 636384, Inland – Al Giles 02 49430674, Pres: David Nash 07 49531817; Sec: Ron Don Wilson 08 97641007; Sec: Paul Coffey 08 or gerry@cairns. net.au; Sec/Trs: Ron John O’Donoghue 02 49549084. Meetings: Huxhagen 07 49552913, Fax: 07 49555122, 97251161; CFI: Brendan Watts 0408 949004. Huxhagen 079 552913, fax: 079 555133. Last Wed/month, Souths Leagues Club. email: [email protected] WA Hill Flyers Club New South Wales Hang Gliding Association Northern Beaches Hang Gliding Club Inc Contact: Rick Williams 08 92943962 (h), Sec: Steve Hocking, 19 Gladswood Gdns, Pres: John Clark 02 99972842 (h); Sec: Mike 015 057961. Double Bay NSW 2028, ph/fax: 02 93274025, Warner 02 94521217 (h), 02 95573188 (w); email: [email protected] SSO: Mike Eggleton 02 94517127, Park 02 Western Soarers Hang Gliding Club 94502674, Glenn Salmon 02 99180091. Pres: Sam Blight 08 93363738; Trs: Nav Brennan 08 93397991; Comp coordinators: Gordon Marshall 08 94519969, Nav Brennan. 52 Skysailor AUSTRALIAN THE EXPLORER MADE by AIRTIME PRODUCTS

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